Siberian Tea Bergenia × schmidtii
ABOUT
Bergenia × schmidtii, commonly known as elephant's ears due to its large, rounded leaves, is a perennial plant that boasts a lush, ground-hugging growth habit. The plant is revered for its beautiful foliage that changes colors with the seasons. The broad leaves emerge with a glossy green appearance and as the weather turns cooler, they often shift to a striking bronze or reddish hue. The foliage of elephant's ears serves as a striking backdrop to its flowers. Spring brings forth clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that dangle from stout stems rising above the leafy base. These blooms can come in various shades, typically soft hues of pink or white, which add a gentle splash of color to the garden. As the plant matures, its leaves form a dense, carpet-like cover, creating a textural statement in garden settings. Elephant's ears possesses a robust nature and its leathery leaves can withstand a variety of weather conditions, adding to its ornamental value throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Heartleaf Bergenia, Pigsqueak, Leather Bergenia
Common names
Bergenia × schmidtii.
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia × schmidtii, commonly known as Siberian Tea, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally advised not to ingest parts of plants that are not known to be edible due to the potential risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions. If any part of this plant is mistakenly ingested and symptoms or discomfort occur, it would be wise to seek medical attention.
To pets
For pets, Siberian Tea does not have a specific toxicity profile documented. As with humans, it is prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe. If an animal consumes parts of Bergenia × schmidtii and exhibits signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to consult 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
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Bergenia × schmidtii, commonly known as Siberian tea, has attractive glossy green leaves and bright pink flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Low maintenance: Siberian tea is known for being hardy and requiring minimal upkeep, which makes it suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
- Drought tolerance: This plant can survive in dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Cold resistance: It is resistant to cold temperatures, which allows it to thrive in cooler climates where other plants might not survive.
- Pest resistance: Siberian tea has a natural resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil erosion control: With its dense foliage and clumping growth habit, it helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Siberian tea attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Seasonal interest: It provides year-round interest with evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms, contributing to a garden's charm in all seasons.
- Ground cover: Its growth pattern makes it an excellent ground cover, filling in space effectively and suppressing weeds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: Bergenia × schmidtii can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics, with its leaves yielding shades of green when used in traditional dyeing methods.
- Edible landscaping: Because of its attractive foliage and flowers, Bergenia × schmidtii can be incorporated into edible landscaping, providing an aesthetic benefit while also being safe if accidentally ingested by pets or children.
- Garden bordering: The plant's robust nature and evergreen leaves make it ideal for creating low, year-round borders along garden pathways or beds.
- Ground cover: Its dense growth habit allows Bergenia × schmidtii to serve as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion in gardens.
- Seasonal interest: With blooms that emerge in spring and foliage that changes color in the fall, this plant provides seasonal interest and variety to gardens.
- Companion planting: Bergenia × schmidtii can be used in companion planting to provide ground shade for other plants that prefer less direct sunlight.
- Water garden accent: While not a water plant, it can thrive around the edges of water gardens or ponds, adding structure and foliage contrast.
- Tolerance of foot traffic: Its ability to withstand light foot traffic makes it suitable for planting in between stepping stones or in small patio gardens.
- Container gardening: Because of its compact size and attractive appearance, Bergenia × schmidtii can be used in container gardens either as a main feature or as complementary foliage.
- Photography prop: The striking blooms and leaves of Bergenia × schmidtii are sometimes used by photographers as a natural prop or backdrop for spring-themed photoshoots.
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: Bergenia, often referred to as Elephant's Ears due to its large, tough leaves, is symbolic of tenacity and enduring through hard conditions, as the plant maintains its leaves throughout the seasons.
- Protection: The robust nature of Elephant's Ears can also represent protection, similar to how the plant’s leathery leaves protect it from the cold and pests.
- Adaptability: As Elephant's Ears can thrive in a variety of conditions, it symbolizes adaptability and the ability to flourish in diverse environments.
WaterFor Bergenia, also commonly known as Siberian tea, it's important to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer. It should be watered deeply about once a week, giving the plant approximately one to two gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Ensure that the plant has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The precise amount of water may need to be adjusted based on rainfall and temperature changes.
LightBergenia thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. It is a versatile plant that can tolerate a variety of lighting situations but will produce the best blooms in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It can also grow in full shade, but flowering may be reduced. Avoid placing it in intense, direct afternoon sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureSiberian tea is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for growing in USDA zones 3 through 8. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It will perform well as long as the temperature does not consistently exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that the plant does not succumb to excessive heat stress.
PruningPruning Siberian tea is mainly to remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or dead foliage, which encourages new growth and maintains a tidy appearance. This should be done after flowering, typically in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate. If necessary, you can also cut back the entire plant in early spring to rejuvenate it. Pruning is generally done annually unless there is visible damage or disease that needs immediate attention.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage capabilities. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse sand would create an ideal environment for this Bergenia variety. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingElephant's Ears does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container. This is generally every 3-4 years. It is best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears plants prefer a moderate level of humidity, typical of most indoor environments. However, they can tolerate lower humidity levels without significant harm. Providing humidity levels around 40-50% will support healthy growth for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Elephant's Ears in bright, indirect light and at moderate temps.
Outdoor
Plant Elephant's Ears in part shade and sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia × schmidtii, commonly known as Leather bergenia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, after dispersal, germinates in moist, well-drained soil during the warmer months of spring or summer. As it sprouts, it develops a basal rosette of leathery, rounded leaves that persist year-round. In its growth stage, the plant establishes a robust root system and increases its foliage mass, leading up to the maturity stage. Once mature, usually in the second year, Leather bergenia produces flowering stalks in early to mid-spring with clusters of pink to magenta flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into capsules containing seeds that, once mature, are dispersed to start a new generation. In the right conditions, Leather bergenia can also propagate vegetatively through division of its rhizomes, thereby skipping the seed stage for new plantlets.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Bergenia × schmidtii, also known as heartleaf bergenia, is by division. This is best done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of the plant while trying to cause minimal disturbance to the roots. Look for natural divisions in the root clump and gently tease them apart with your hands or use a sharp knife for larger clumps. Each division should have at least one growth bud and a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them.
