Bergenia: Pigsqueak
Bergenia are one of the tried and true perennials. They are long lived and “tough as nails”.
Plant care & info
Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Bergenia
Common Name: Pigsqueak, heartleaf, Elephant ears.
Widely distributed in temperate Asia. There are 8 species in the genus.
Rich, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers to be on the dry side rather than wet. Will tolerate a variety of sun to shade conditions.
Leaves tend to look better given a more shady situation, and flowers tend to bloom more in a sunnier situation. No matter where you plant it, one of the wonderful qualities of this plant will shine.
Low-maintenance, drought tolerant and easy to grow. Bergenias are an excellent companion for hellebores, hostas, primula, brunnera, grasses and ferns.
Bergenia are evergreen but benefit from having sunburned, old or tatty winter foliage cleaned up in the spring or growing season. In the shadiest conditions, leaves and flowering may be sparser.
Large clumps can be easily divided by replanting a good section of rhizome.
Attracts hummingbirds, deer resistant, evergreen, drought tolerant.
Few problems bother bergenias. Root weevils can occasionally be a problem, evidenced by notch shapes cut out of the edges of the leaves.
They look fabulous in old, established plantings and new beds alike! Their large bold leaves offer a thick texture that easily works into just about any design style—including containers.
The paddle-shaped, evergreen leaves of this spreading plant are best displayed en masse. Spring brings lovely straight stems bearing sprays of flowers ranging from white to ruby pink and double red. With certain varieties, the tips of evergreen leaves turn burgundy in cold weather, adding interest to the winter garden. Many wonderful cultivars of this plant have been introduced.
Explore More Pigsqueak
Evening Glow
Bergenia ‘Abendglut’ aka ‘Evening Glow’
Compact plant with medium size leaves that turn bronze in autumn. Flowers are burgundy red and double. Zone 4-8. 18″ tall.
Dumbo
Bergenia Ciliata ‘Dumbo’
An unusual deciduous variety with very large, rounded leaves covered in downy hair. Pale pink flowers March to May. Grows 18″ tall by 24″ wide in zones 5-8.
Bressingham Ruby
Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’
Pink flowers above green leaves that age to maroon in winter. Zone 15-18” tall.
Bressingham White
Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’
Very similar to Bressingham Ruby, but with flowers that emerge white and age to pink. Leathery green leaves. Zone 3-9.
Pink Dragonfly
Bergenia ‘Pink Dragonfly’
A slightly more diminutive version (12-15″) with narrow leaves and pink flowers. Zone 4-9.
Spring Fling
Bergenia ‘Spring Fling’
This variety stands out with rich purple winter foliage and prolific masses of rich magenta blooms from March through May. Compact, growing 12″ high and wide in zones 4-9.
Winterglow
Bergenia Cordifolia Winterglut aka Winterglow
Excellent red fall and winter foliage color. Dark magenta flowers in spring and sometimes a second bloom in fall. Grows 12-15” tall. Zone 3.
