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19/04/2008


my photo

BERGENIA

Also known as Elephants Ears, this perennial is naturally found in Siberia. The large glossy leaves become increasingly more purple at this time of year, and are a great contrast against the greens in the border.

A few years back a TV gardener doing a makeover programme, said he really disliked this plant, but I think it has a place in the garden. I agree that during the year the leaves can look a bit untidy, but at this time of year they come into their own, and look at the flowers to prove it.

14 comments:

cd&m said...

I agree with you the flowers are lovely and you have got a geat picture of them here.

Suburbia said...

We have some of these in the garden but sadly they are not the same lovely colour as yours. They are a very pale pink. I prefer yours but I must admit it is very reliable!
Thanks for visiting my place.

Lavinia said...

Oh these flowers are so pretty! Very sweet.

Lavinia said...

That photo of the bird on the milk bottles is so adorable!

Anonymous said...

Wow wow wow! What a gorgeous shot! I love bergenia though I've never tried to grow them. My neighbor has some that are dreadfully neglected so they don't bloom much. But the leaves are still pretty.

Glo said...

I didn't recognize the plant so I read a bit more about Bergenia here: http://www.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=1.105.130

and see that it is rabbit and deer resistant, which is good to know.

The photo sets it off beautifully :)

Threadspider said...

The colour of that specimen is truly lovely. I also want to say how many gorgeous images you have in your sidebar Louise. You have a mighty fine blog going on here.

Elizabeth said...

I always think berengia is rather a weird, aristocratic plant.
It reminds me of neglected manor houses - why? - haven't a clue....!
My efforts to grow it on Long Island weren't a ripping success -yours looks super.

Katherine said...

Gorgeous! I love the colour of this bloom. How large does the plant grow to, Louise?

shadows and clouds said...

what a lovely flower, i really can't see how it got its name though!

Carol said...

I love Elephants Ears or Bergenia as I call it. You are right of course they can look a bit floppy and messy in the boarder later on.
Carol x

Anonymous said...

Hi, I really like bergenia...they're such a gorgeous pink at this time of year so I forgive them the untidy leaves.
Margaret and Noreen

Levin said...

i think the flower looks beautiful. i would say it would be worth growing it just for the flower - it's gorgeous.
l
x

Heather said...

Hi Louise
A friend just gave me a part of her elephant ears plant, I hadn't heard of it before. I've just planted it up front and hope to see it bloom one day. Nice photo of yours.