I don't think I've mentioned Bergenia cordifolia in these pages before. Sometimes called Elephant's Ears it's grown as much for its evergreen foliage as for flowers. In the summer months the showy blooms are raised on stems above the greenery. 'Purpurea' and 'Bressingham White' are the most common cultivars. 

 The species hails from Siberia and has the virtue of being as tough as old boots growing in sun or shade, tolerating most soils. Often recommended as a ground cover plant though it spreads slowly.

 Very lovely growing in the Altai mountains judging by photos I have seen but one of those plants that generally gets used in a rather functional sort of way here in the UK.