Overwintering guide
How to overwinter elephant ears bergenia
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills elephant ears bergenia in winter
Cutting elephant ears bergenia hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More elephant ears bergenia care
Overwintering elephant ears bergenia — FAQ
Does elephant ears bergenia need to come indoors for winter?
Elephant Ears Bergenia is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Elephant Ears Bergenia is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move elephant ears bergenia for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water elephant ears bergenia in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills elephant ears bergenia over winter?
Cutting elephant ears bergenia hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.