Heartleaf Bergenia Bergenia 'Wintermärchen'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', also known as Winter Magic, is a perennial plant that is noted for its robust and glossy foliage. The leaves are large, rounded, and have a leathery texture, displaying a rich green color which can turn to bronze or reddish hues in the colder months, giving it winter interest. In the spring, clumps of the leaves are adorned with clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms are typically pink and emerge on sturdy stems above the foliage, providing a delightful contrast against the dark leaves. The flowers have a subtle charm, contributing to the ornamental value of the plant throughout multiple seasons. The Winter Magic is appreciated for both its foliage and its flowers, making it a versatile and attractive addition to gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Winter Begonia, Siberian Tea
Common names
Bergenia 'Wintermärchen'
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', commonly known as Bergenia, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information on its potential toxic effects if ingested. However, as with many plants, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingestion, especially for individuals with plant sensitivities or allergies. If any part of the Bergenia is ingested and symptoms do occur, it would be prudent to seek medical advice.
To pets
Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', commonly known as Bergenia, is typically not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and the consumption of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet ingests Bergenia and exhibits such symptoms or other signs of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', commonly known as Elephant's Ears, provides visual interest with its lush green foliage and striking pink flowers.
- Seasonal interest: It blooms in late winter to early spring, providing color at a time when many plants are dormant.
- Low maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought tolerance: Elephant's Ears can withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Cold hardiness: It is cold-resistant, able to survive in colder climates where other plants might succumb to frost.
- Ground cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Attracts pollinators: Its flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Versatile landscaping: Bergenia 'Wintermärchen' is suitable for a variety of garden styles, including rock gardens, borders, and as underplanting for larger shrubs.
- Evergreen: It maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing consistent greenery and structure to the garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', also known as Elephant's Ear, can be used as ground cover in shaded areas where grass struggles to grow, creating a lush, green carpet throughout the year.
- The thick leaves of Elephant's Ear can be utilized in floral arrangements, providing a sturdy and attractive backdrop for more delicate flowers.
- Due to their leathery texture, the leaves can be used in crafts for creating natural impressions in clay or other moldable materials.
- The plant's clumping habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing soil on slopes, helping to prevent soil erosion in hilly gardens.
- Elephant's Ear can be used to edge pathways or borders, offering structure and winter interest when other plants have died back.
- In water-wise gardening, Elephant's Ear is a suitable addition because of its drought-tolerant properties, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Its evergreen nature makes it ideal for use in winter gardens, as the plant retains its color and structure when most other plants are dormant.
- Elephant's Ear leaves can be used as a natural dye source, potentially yielding colors for textiles and other materials.
- The textural contrast between Elephant's Ear's large, rounded leaves and other garden plants can be used to create visually striking landscape designs.
- As a companion plant, Elephant's Ear provides a protective cover for smaller, more delicate shade-loving perennials, safeguarding them from harsh weather conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity: The Bergenia, also known as Elephant's Ears, is a hardy plant that can survive in tough conditions, symbolizing resilience and endurance.
- Adaptability: With its capacity to thrive in both shade and sun, Elephant's Ears represent the ability to adapt and prosper in variable environments.
- Protection: Due to its large leaves that resemble an elephant's ears, this plant is often seen as a symbol of shelter and protective qualities.
- Longevity: Bergenia is a perennial plant, often symbolizing long life and persistence.
- Evergreen Nature: As Elephant's Ears maintain their leaves throughout the seasons, they symbolize everlasting or eternal elements in life.
WaterElephants Ears should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per week, adjusting for rainfall, during the growing season. During the winter when the plant is dormant, water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch to prevent root rot.
LightElephants Ears prefers partial shade to full sun, thriving best in bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant in a location where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day, to protect its leaves from scorching.
TemperatureElephants Ears can survive in a temperature range from 20°F to 85°F, but its ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 75°F. It is important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage the foliage, and from extreme heat, which can stress the plant.
PruningElephants Ears should be pruned to remove old, damaged, or wilted leaves and to maintain its shape. Pruning is best done in the spring before new growth begins. Cut back flower stalks after blooming to encourage more foliage growth, and remove any spent or damaged foliage as needed throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBergenia, commonly known as "Pigsqueak," thrives best in a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or leaf mold, mixed with loam and sand to improve drainage. The ideal soil mix should be moist but well-drained, with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic, roughly around 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingPigsqueak should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in spring before the growing season starts, to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingPigsqueak does not require high humidity and is quite adaptable to average home humidity levels. It can thrive well in the normal outdoor humidity range without the need for additional misting or humidity trays.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil with organic matter, ensure drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Wintermärchen', commonly known as Winter Fairy Bergenia, begins its life with seed germination, typically in early spring when temperature and moisture conditions are ideal. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of thick, leathery leaves. As the plants mature, they establish a strong root system and begin to spread by rhizomes, becoming more robust perennials. During late winter or early spring, the Winter Fairy Bergenia produces pink to red flowers atop stout stems which attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which disperses to propagate the next generation. Throughout the year, especially in winter, the evergreen leaves of Bergenia 'Wintermärchen' provide lasting ground cover and interest in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Bergenia 'Wintermärchen', commonly known as Wintermärchen Bergenia, is typically propagated by division. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring, just as new growth begins. To carry out the division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring as much of the root system is intact as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, each with several healthy roots and shoots, using your hands or a sharp knife. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them approximately 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart, into fertile, well-draining soil. Water them well and keep the soil consistently moist to help the new plants establish.
