PIGSQUEAK

Here is more than you ever wanted to know, or ask, about Bergenia Cordifolia; or commonly called Pigsqueak. I thank my Mom for sending this plant to me. These two pictures were taken by Sara and are found in our garden. It is a unique plant for the area (as far as I know) and may be the only one that grows this far north in the US. The following information was found at Dave’s Garden web site at: http://davesgarden.com/

Heartleaf Bergenia, Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia)

Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Bergenia (ber-GEN-ee-uh)
Species: cordifolia (kor-di-FOH-lee-uh)

Category:
Perennials

Height:
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing:
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4° C (-30° F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6° C (-25° F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8° C (-20° F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1° C (-15° F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3° C (-10° F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5° C (-5° F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7° C (0° F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9° C (5° F)

Sun Exposure:
Light Shade

Bloom Color:
Pink

Bloom Time:
Late Winter/Early Spring

Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Bronze-Green
Rubbery-Textured

Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not over-water
Flowers are good for drying and preserving

Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Propagation Methods:
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)

Seed Collecting:
Allow seed-heads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored