Bergenia Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon', commonly known as Elephant's Ears due to its large, rounded leaves, boasts a lush and hardy appearance. The foliage presents itself in a rich, deep green color, turning to a bronze or red hue during the colder months. This evergreen plant stays attractive throughout the year, maintaining visual interest across seasons. In the spring, Elephant's Ears produces clusters of eye-catching salmon-pink flowers which contrast beautifully against the dark foliage. These blossoms grow on thick, upright stems that hold them aloft above the leaves, creating a pleasing and colorful display. The leaves of this plant are notable for their leathery texture and glossy surface. They are quite substantial in size and have a rounded, heart-like shape with a slight ripple at the edges, contributing to the common name alluding to elephant ears. Overall, the Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon' is appreciated for its robust evergreen foliage and the distinctive burst of floral color it brings to gardens, making it a popular choice for ground cover and border plantings. Its resilience and attractive appearance throughout the year are valued by gardeners seeking to maintain year-round interest in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Megasea
Common names
Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon', more commonly known as simply Bergenia, is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming or coming into contact with Bergenia. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant for humans. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for human consumption, as they may cause individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon', commonly referred to as Bergenia, is not commonly listed as toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from pets consuming Bergenia. However, it is still recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some animals. If you suspect your pet has eaten a substantial amount of the plant and is showing signs of illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon' is known for its large, glossy leaves that provide year-round interest, especially in winter when the foliage often takes on a reddish or bronzy hue.
- Seasonal Blooms: This plant produces salmon-pink flowers in the spring, adding a splash of color to garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Bressingham Salmon' is quite drought resistant, requiring minimal watering in various conditions.
- Low Maintenance: It requires little care once established, making it an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Pest Resistance: It’s generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Cold Hardiness: Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon' is resilient in cold weather, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Bergenia leaves, with their unique shape and texture, can serve as subjects or inspiration for botanical illustrations, paintings, and other artworks.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their attractive blooms and foliage, Bergenias are excellent subjects for nature and macro photography.
- Fabric Dyeing: The leaves and flowers of Bergenia can be used in the natural dyeing process to impart subtle colors to textiles.
- Educational Tool: Bergenias can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and seasonal changes.
- Landscape Design: Bergenia's robust nature makes it a useful plant for landscape architects seeking hardy, low-maintenance plants for their projects.
- Winter Interest: Bergenias maintain their leaf structure during winter, providing visual interest in gardens that lack color during the colder months.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers and leaves of Bergenia can be included in cut flower arrangements for their texture and color diversity.
- Garden Borders: Bergenias are often used to create defined edges along garden walkways, simultaneously offering beauty and function.
- Frost Indicators: Bergenias can help gauge early frost events in a garden as their leaves can show damage from cold temperatures, alerting gardeners to take protective measures for other plants.
- Bee Gardens: Planting Bergenia can contribute to a bee-friendly garden, as its blooms attract pollinators during the flowering season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Commonly known as Elephant's Ears, Bergenias symbolize endurance and resilience, reflecting the plant's ability to thrive in tough conditions and withstand harsh weather.
- Protection: The large leaves of the Elephant's Ears plant offer a protective shelter, symbolizing care and a safe haven, much like the protective nature of a parent or guardian.
- Adaptability: Elephant's Ears plants are adaptable to various environments, making them a symbol of flexibility and the ability to prosper in different life situations.
- Longevity: With its robust nature and ability to live for many years, the Elephant's Ears plant represents longevity and the wish for a long, healthy life.
- Heartiness: Much like its ability to endure, Elephant’s Ears symbolize heartiness, representing someone’s strong and robust heart or nature.
WaterElephant's Ears should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once a week. Provide thorough watering, so water reaches the deep roots, using about one gallon for outdoor plants or fewer ounces for smaller potted specimens, ensuring that excess water can drain away. During hot, dry periods, they may need water more frequently. In the winter, watering should be reduced as the plant requires less moisture. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightElephant's Ears thrive in partial shade to full sun. The ideal location offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade, protecting the leaves from the harsh midday sun. They can adapt to full sun in cooler climates, provided they have sufficient moisture. Place them in a spot where they receive filtered sunlight or a few hours of direct sun for the best growth.
TemperatureElephant's Ears do best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate a wider range. They withstand minimum temperatures of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Ideal conditions include cool to moderate temperatures without significant fluctuations.
PruningPrune Elephant's Ears to remove spent flowers or damaged leaves, enhancing the plant's appearance and encouraging new growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter before new spring growth begins. Cut back any old foliage to the ground, and prune occasionally throughout the season as necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears thrives in a well-draining soil mix with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingElephant's Ears should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to allow for growth. However, they are tolerant of being slightly pot-bound, so frequent repotting isn't necessary unless the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to different conditions. They will tolerate normal indoor humidity levels without any special treatment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist not wet.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist soil, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Bressingham Salmon', commonly known as Bressingham Salmon Bergenia, begins its life as a seed sown in the soil where it germinates, usually in the spring or early summer. The seedling develops into a rosette of leathery, evergreen leaves and establishes a strong root system. Over the next few years, the plant reaches maturity, forming clumps that spread outwards with its rhizomatous roots. Each spring, it sends up flowering stems bearing clusters of salmon-pink blossoms that are attractive to pollinators. After blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant may produce seeds that can be dispersed to start new plants or it may expand vegetatively via its rhizomes. In winter, the foliage may change colors, adding winter interest before the cycle begins anew with the next year's growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Bergenia 'Bressingham Salmon', commonly known as Bressingham Salmon Bergenia, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division should ideally be carried out in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate Bergenia by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, maintaining a generous amount of soil around the roots to protect them. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several leaf shoots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing in well-drained soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Over the next few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage root development and successful establishment of the new plants.
