{"title":"Bergenia","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Saxifragaceae\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBergenia\u003c\/em\u003e — Elephant’s Ears — is a long-lived, bold, clump-forming perennial native to central Asia. Clusters of pink or white flowers rise on stout red stems in early spring, providing some welcome colour when little else is in bloom. The large, leathery leaves are a feature in their own right, most forms are evergreen, turning rich shades of bronze and burgundy through winter before the flowers emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThriving in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, Bergenia tolerates dry shade, clay, and exposed positions with ease. Excellent ground cover and a reliable choice for pollinators early in the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt home in woodland gardens, shady borders, gravel gardens, and cottage garden schemes. They combine well with \u003cem\u003ePulmonaria\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEpimedium\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGeranium\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eHelleborus\u003c\/em\u003e. Large clumps can be divided in spring after flowering, and old leaves removed to keep plants looking tidy. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bergenia-bressingham-white","title":"Bergenia 'Bressingham White'","description":"\u003cp\u003eA profusion of white flowers on upright red stems rises above large, leathery, deep green leaves in spring — a generous display from this long-established and much-loved cultivar. The Edwardians knew what they were doing when they planted it in quantity, and its enduring popularity is well deserved: free-flowering, easy to maintain, and reliably evergreen, the bold foliage earns its keep through winter too. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClump-forming and excellent as ground cover, it makes a fine foil for other plants and brightens a shady corner with ease. Thrives in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight × Spread: 25cm × 30cm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre","offer_id":52922065715542,"sku":"105926","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/4928\/0598\/files\/20170314-Bergenia_Bressingham_White.webp?v=1786215214"},{"product_id":"bergenia-ciliata","title":"Bergenia ciliata","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBergenia ciliata\u003c\/em\u003e — commonly known as Elephant’s Ears — is a distinctive, large-leaved perennial with a character all of its own. In spring, clusters of white, bell-like flowers on red stems open above the fresh, unfurling foliage, gradually fading to pink as the season progresses. The large, rounded, hairy leaves then take centre stage through summer before developing rich, warm autumnal tints as they die back — a quietly beautiful end to the season. Unlike most bergenias, this species is fully deciduous, disappearing completely in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest in a shady or dappled position in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered spot is worth choosing, as \u003cem\u003eciliata\u003c\/em\u003e types flower early and the blooms can be caught by late frosts. Excellent ground cover for shady borders and woodland edges. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight × Spread: 30cm × 60cm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre","offer_id":53569070891350,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Litre","offer_id":53569070924118,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/4928\/0598\/files\/20260331-Bergenia_ciliata-1.webp?v=1786214834"},{"product_id":"bergenia-ciliata-wilton","title":"Bergenia ciliata 'Wilton'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBergenia ciliata\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Wilton’ — commonly known as Elephant’s Ears, or by the irresistible name “Pig Squeak” (rub a leaf between your fingers to find out why) — is one of the most distinctive of all the bergenias. Unlike its evergreen cousins, \u003cem\u003eB. ciliata\u003c\/em\u003e is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter so that the pale pink flower clusters emerge in early spring above the fresh, unfurling foliage rather than through it. The leaves themselves are a feature: broad, rounded, and covered in fine hairs — impressively large and tactile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest in a shady or dappled position in humus-rich, consistently moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered spot is worth choosing, as \u003cem\u003eciliata\u003c\/em\u003e types flower early and the blooms can be caught by late frosts. Slow to spread but long-lived and rewarding, it makes an excellent ground cover for shady borders and woodland edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight × Spread: 50cm × 60cm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants","offers":[{"title":"1 Litre","offer_id":53571635675478,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/4928\/0598\/files\/20260324-Bergenia_ciliata_Wilton.webp?v=1786213618"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/4928\/0598\/collections\/20170314-Bergenia_Bressingham_White.webp?v=1786216249","url":"https:\/\/hardysplants.live\/collections\/bergenia.oembed","provider":"Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}