Heart-Leaved Bergenia

(Bergenia crassifolia)

Heart-Leaved Bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Bergenia crassifolia, commonly known as Heart-Leaved Bergenia, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the rocky woodlands and cliff areas of Siberia and Mongolia in Eastern Asia. It typically grows to about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and is known for its large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that are winter hardy in warmer climates. These leaves often change color to rust brown or brown-red in the fall, adding seasonal interest. The plant produces clusters of small, bell-shaped pink flowers on thick stems in late spring and early summer, which can be quite showy against the backdrop of the emerging young leaves. The fruit is an ellipsoidal, dry capsule with two diverging lobes that open along the abdominal suture, though it is not particularly ornamental.

Heart-Leaved Bergenia is valued for its robust foliage, which provides year-round interest, and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is commonly used in landscaping, particularly in stone gardens, as well as in mixed shrub and tree arrays. The plant is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in semi-shady to shady locations. It prefers moderately dry, fertile soil and can be propagated by dividing the bush in the fall. While it does best in part shade or full shade, it is adaptable to various soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. Gardeners should be aware that Bergenia crassifolia can suffer from slug and snail damage, and in some regions, it may become invasive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky woodlands and cliff areas of Siberia and Mongolia in Eastern Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Winter-Blooming Bergenia, Elephant-Ears, Elephant’s Ears, Korean Elephant-Ear, Badan, Pigsqueak, Siberian Tea, Mongolian Tea

Scientific Names: , Bergenia cordifolia, Bergenia crassifolia, Saxifraga crassifolia, Bergenia pacifica, Bergenia crassifolia var. pacifica, Saxifraga cordifolia, Bergenia crassifolia var. cordifolia, Bergenia bifolia, Bergenia coreana

GBIF Accepted Name: Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch