Bergenia ciliata 'Wilton'

Bergenia ciliata ‘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, B. ciliata 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.

Best in a shady or dappled position in humus-rich, consistently moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered spot is worth choosing, as ciliata 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.

Height × Spread: 50cm × 60cm