BERGINIA CORDIFOLIA

Berginia cordifolia 'Purpurea'

Common name - Elephant's ears

Family - SAXIFRAGACEA

This rhizomatous perennial is one either you love or despise. But you can't fault the fact it will grow almost anywhere.

The red-flushed, rippled foliage of this large, leathery, elephant's ear can grow up to 30cm long and will turn attractive shades of purple throughout winter; especially when grown in poorer soils.

In late winter and early spring, tall red stems carry clusters of cerise pink flowers. A favourite of garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and horticulturist Beth Chatt, this robust is great for edging well-trodden paths or as ground cover.

CULTIVATION

Best grown in moist, well drained humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. Dislikes dry hot conditions but will tolerate poor soils and exposed sites.

PROPAGATION

Propagate by division or sliced through root rhizome sections in autumn or early spring.

PRUNING

After flowering, deadhead flowers and remove damaged foliage.

Photo by Rasbak - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=765904