Bergenia 'Bressingham White' is a clump-forming evergreen perennial selected at Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk, UK. Commonly called elephant ears for its large, paddle-shaped, glossy leaves, it produces dense clusters of pure white flowers on red-tinged stems in early spring - one of the few white-flowered cultivars in a genus dominated by pink and magenta forms. The foliage provides year-round structure and deepens to burgundy or bronze through winter cold before greening up again in spring.
It tolerates part to full shade and competes well with tree roots, making it useful in spots where few perennials succeed. Plants spread slowly by rhizome and benefit from division every three to four years to maintain vigor. Good drainage is critical; wet, poorly drained soil promotes crown and root rot. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature in colder zones, and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH produces the best growth.
Bergenia species have a documented history in Siberian and Central Asian folk medicine. Rhizomes of the genus contain arbutin and tannins and have been used traditionally in Russia and Mongolia as remedies for urinary and kidney complaints and as an astringent for diarrhea. Dried leaves were brewed into an herbal tea in southern Siberia, sometimes called Chagir tea.
Root rot
Plants wilt, yellow, and stunt even in moist soil; lower stems and roots turn brown, soft, and mushy and the plant may collapse. Most common in heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground.
Improve drainage and stop overwatering, and never plant too deep. Lift and destroy badly affected plants along with the soil around the roots. Grow in raised or free-draining beds to prevent it returning.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey fuzzy mould on petals and stems, worst in cool wet conditions.
Remove affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.