July 1, 2025 Peter van Dijk

Shoemaker's Plant Care

Bergenia Cordifolia, also popularly known as Schoenlappersplant, is a strong and evergreen garden plant that brightens up your garden as early as the beginning of spring with beautiful pink to purple flowers. This robust plant is often used as a ground cover, thanks to the large leathery leaves that grow in dense clumps. Moreover, it is a popular border plant, especially in shady or semi-shady borders where other plants struggle to thrive.

The name 'shoemaker's plant' refers to the sturdy, glossy leaves that were formerly used by shoemakers to polish leather. Today, this plant is a favorite among garden enthusiasts due to its ornamental value, easy maintenance, and long lifespan.

Are you curious about how best to care for this plant? In this extensive blog, you will discover everything about the care of the Bergenia!

Watering the Bergenia

The Bergenia is known for its strong and tough character, meaning it needs little water. However, good water management is essential for healthy growth, especially during dry periods.

Tips for watering the Elephant's-eye:

Immediately after planting: Water generously so that the roots can take hold well.
During dry periods: Water 1–2 times per week during prolonged drought. Pay particular attention to young plants or plants in pots.
Not too wet: The plant likes moist, but well-draining soil. Prevent standing water at the roots to avoid root rot.
In a pot: Check regularly that the soil has not dried out. Potted plants get thirsty faster than plants in the open ground.

Schoenlappers plant Location

A good location is crucial for the health of the shoemaker's plant. Although this plant can tolerate a lot, it still has a preference for specific conditions.

Ideal location for the Shoe-lace plant:

Partial shade to shade: The shoe-lace plant grows best in filtered light or shade.
Moist, humus-rich soil: Ensure the soil remains slightly moist, with good drainage.
Sheltered from strong winds: Especially in winter, cold, dry winds can cause damage to the foliage.
Under trees or shrubs: An excellent spot where the plant can benefit from shade and moisture soil.

Potted shoemaker's plant

Do you want the shoemaker's plant on your terrace or balcony? Then a pot is also a great option.

Pay attention when planting in a pot:

Large pot with drainage holes: Choose a pot at least 25–30 cm deep so that the roots can develop well.
Slightly moist potting soil: Preferably use potting soil for perennials, optionally mixed with compost.
Sun to partial shade: Avoid bright midday sun, especially in summer.
Regular watering and feeding: The potting soil dries out faster, so check weekly.

Moving the Bergenia

Sometimes you want to move a plant to make space, rearrange borders, or promote growth. Fortunately, the shoemaker's plant is quite resistant to that.

It is best to move it in:

Spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October)
Water thoroughly before and after moving
Dig around the clump with plenty of soil, so that the roots remain intact

Prepare the new spot well with loose, nutritious soil

Optionally fertilize with organic fertilizer for good regrowth

Planting the Shoe-lace Plant

Planting the shoe-lace plant is simple and can be done almost all year round, except during periods of frost.

Step-by-step plan for planting the shoe-lace plant:

Choose a suitable spot in partial shade or shade.

Dig a planting hole that is large enough for the root ball.

Mix compost or organic fertilizer into the soil for extra nutrition.

Place the plant at the same depth as in the pot.

Press down the soil and water generously after planting.

Leave sufficient space between multiple plants (30–40 cm).

Shoemaker's Plant Flowering time

The flowering of the shoemaker's plant is undoubtedly one of the most important reasons why this plant is so beloved among garden enthusiasts. Very early in the year, even before many other plants awaken from their winter sleep, the coriander plant brings color and life to the garden. The flowering is not only visually appealing but also ecologically valuable: bees and other early pollinators benefit from the nectar and pollen.

Characteristics of the flowering:

Flowering time: From February through April, sometimes as early as the end of January during mild winters

Flowers: Rich clusters in shades of pink, purple, or white that stand proudly above the foliage

Flower height: Approximately 30 to 40 cm, on sturdy, upright stems

Bee-friendly: Early flowers provide food for bees and bumblebees

Ornamental value outside of flowering: The thick, leathery leaves remain evergreen and often turn red or purple in winter, adding extra color to the garden

Thanks to this early flowering and the decorative foliage, the shoe-repairer is ideal for brightening up dull winter borders and for getting the gardening season off to an early start. This way, you can enjoy color and life in the garden during the colder months, while other plants are still dormant.

Sowing the Bergenia

Although the Bergenia is easily propagated by division or cuttings, sowing is also possible, but it requires a bit more patience.

Sow in spring (March–May)

Use fine sowing soil in a tray or pot

Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of soil

Keep the soil moist, not wet

Germination time: A few weeks to months

Transplant as soon as the seedlings have 2–3 leaves

Sleeper's Plant Toxic

The shoemaker's plant is not toxic to humans, but can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets such as dogs and cats if they eat it. Although severe poisoning rarely occurs, the leaf can cause irritation or nausea if ingested. It is therefore wise to prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of the plant. If you do notice symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact a veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Pruning the Shoe-lace Plant

Pruning is minimally necessary for this plant, but it does contribute to a fresh, well-groomed appearance.

Pruning tips for the Elephant's-eye:

Remove ugly or brown leaves in early spring.

After flowering, you can cut off spent stems at the base.

No drastic pruning needed, only maintenance.

👉 Want to know more? Read our extensive blog: Pruning the Elephant's-eye for extensive pruning instructions.

Propagating the Elephant's-eye is simple and particularly effective via dividing the rhizome. This method is especially suitable for garden enthusiasts who want to expand or rejuvenate existing plants. By taking cuttings, you can quickly obtain multiple healthy plants without having to sow seeds or purchase new plants. Moreover, dividing older clumps also promotes the vitality of the mother plant.

Stepper's Plant Cobbler's Plant Cuttings:

Best period: Cuttings or division are preferably done in the spring (March–April) or autumn (September–October), when the plant is not in bloom and the soil is moist and workable.

Digging up the plant: Carefully dig up the cobbler plant with a sharp spade or hand shovel.

Dividing the rhizome: Cut off a part of the rhizome with a clean and sharp knife. Ensure that each part contains at least one visible growth point or leaf bud.

Replant immediately: Plant the pieces directly in the open ground or in a pot with fresh, airy, and nutritious soil.

Keep your distance: Leave sufficient space between the new plants (approx. 30–40 cm) so that they can develop well.

Aftercare: Water well after planting and keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks so that the new cuttings can root properly.

After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop into full-fledged plants. In the subsequent growing season, you can already enjoy their decorative foliage and possibly even the first flowers.

Fertilizing the Shoe-lace Plant

Although the shoe-lace plant is undemanding, it does appreciate nutritious soil.

Fertilization tips for shoe-lace plant:

Fertilize once a year in early spring (March/April)

Use organic fertilizer, compost or fertilizer pellets for perennials

In poor soil you can fertilize again in the summer

Not too much: over-fertilization leads to excessive leaf growth and less flowering

Shoemaker's Plant Snails

The thick leaves of the shoemaker's plant are not a favorite snack for snails, but in wet summers they can still cause damage.

Tips against slugs:

Inspect regularly for slime trails and feeding damage

Remove slugs manually in case of light infestation

Use ecological slug pellets or barriers such as coffee grounds or cocoa husks

Ensure dry soil around the plant base to discourage slugs

Shoemaker's Plant Diseases

The shoemaker's plant is generally very strong and resistant to diseases. However, in exceptional cases, problems can arise, especially in overly damp locations.

Possible diseases:

Root rot: In poorly draining soil

Fungus on leaves: During prolonged wet weather and poor air circulation

Leaf spot disease: Rare, but possible in weakened plants

Solution: Remove affected parts, move the plant, or improve drainage

The shoe-lapper plant is a rewarding and robust garden plant that offers ornamental value for years with minimal care. Whether you use it as a ground cover or as a border plant, it rarely disappoints. Thanks to its early flowering, evergreen foliage, and simple care, it is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With the tips in this guide, you will keep your shoe-lapper plant healthy and flowering for years.