Bergenia Pig Squeak

Boujee meets beauty! It so often goes that the most exciting and unique plants get the most exciting and unique names. Bergenia Pig Squeak (Bergenia cordifolia) is no different with its peculiar glossy leaves and delightful fuchsia flowers!

The flowers aren't what you'll notice first. It's the glossy, thick foliage! One touch and you're sure to notice they actually have a leathery texture. In fact, that's where Pig Speak gets its name! Rubbing two leaves together sounds rather like the noise its animal namesake makes!

But these unique leaves are soon festooned by an early spring bloom of dark pink florets, packed into full frilly clusters on top of strong stems. They are often sought after by those in the business of making the perfect bouquet because of their gorgeous shade and shapely stems.

Not to be outdone, the leaves of this plant are something to marvel at in and of itself. These heart-shaped dark green leaves unfurrow in the early spring and simply keep on giving from then on. While we're marveling over leaves that are, incredibly, talented at animal impersonations, the butterflies and pollinators will be fluttering from near and far for a chance at the nectar these flowers produce!

If you live in a warm climate, first of all, we're jealous, but also your Bergenia will act as an evergreen! Don't forget to appreciate its fascinating leaves for us each winter! For the rest of us, the leaves of this perennial will turn a lovely purple-bronze in the fall. It adds extra color to the landscape before retiring for the season. Don't worry though, it'll be back and better than ever at the first sign of spring.

Planting and Application:

Plant a pop of pink in your garden! You deserve it! Bring in a couple of stems each year to add to a bouquet. Bergenia are sure to liven up whatever space they call home!

You know that flower bed underneath that gorgeous shade tree in the backyard? It can be a bit of a challenge finding plants that appreciate copious amounts of shade to make that bed shine. Feel free to use this perennial as an accent there or even a centerpiece! It won't mind a slight lack of sunlight. Problem solved!

Cottage gardens are another place this plant does well. Most cottage gardens have their share of interesting and unique plants and Pigsqueak, with its peculiar leaves, will fit right in. In shaded areas, pair it with some Rozanne Geranium or Hosta to keep the color scheme warm. Perhaps contrast with a Pocket Full of Gold® Daylily or Coral Bells.

Bergenia grows low to the ground and in clumps, so space is one thing you won't have to fret over. This is the perfect plant whether you're dealing with an expansive landscape or an itty bitty backyard garden. Even if you have no garden at all, you can use Pig Squeak in containers as the filler of your spiller-filler-thriller combo.

Small gardens or landscapes in need of a low-growing perennial to place front and center need search no further. This plant grows low to the ground while holding its own in eye appeal. Line pathways and garden edges beautifully. Or let them ramble and spread down a hard-to-mow slope or eroding hillside!

• Fushia Flower Clusters On Strong, Sturdy Stems
• Reliable Bloomer in Colder Zones & Rebloom in Warm Climates
• Deep Glossy Green Thick Heart-Shaped Leaves
• Foliage Turns Bronze - Use as Fall & Winter Interest Plant
• Delightful Bouquet Flower & Pollinator-Friendly
• Great for Small Space Gardens & Containers
• Spreads Slowly As Lush Groundcover & Edging

#ProPlantTips for Care:

When picking a forever home for your Bergenia, keep in mind that this Perennial appreciates either partial sun, or full shade - especially if you are in the hottest of USDA planting zones 3 to 8. Preferring around 4-6 hours of sun is about as much as it'll handle with grace.

Pig Squeak will do well in a wide range of soil types but it loves rich, moist, soil that high in organic matter the most. When planting, you'll want to make sure you water them in well. From then on, go ahead and give this perennial medium moisture. Add a 3-4 inch layer of arborist bark chip mulch. In warm climates, it's recommended you give them a good fall watering as well.

As the blooms fade for the year, go ahead and Deadhead the spent flower heads. This will let the plant focus its energy on staying perky and green. For those in colder zones, wait for early spring and pull off the dried or damaged leaves from the plant. It'll grow back each year as good as new.

• Great for Partial Shade Gardens
• Loves Rich Well-Drained Soil
• Moderate Moisture Needs
• Deadhead After Bloom & Prune/Clean Mounds In Early Spring
• Deer & Rabbits Seldom Bother Them

Heart-shaped leaves, pretty pink flowers and fall interest all wrapped up in a single plant. What more could you ask for? Order a Bergenia Pig Squeak for your gardening needs today from the experts at Nature Hills!