Pigsqueak
Bergenia cordifolia
Pigsqueak is an evergreen perennial with large, glossy, leathery leaves and early-spring clusters of pink flowers. Its name comes from the squeak the leaves make when rubbed.
- Light
- Part shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate; evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia) is a tough, low-growing evergreen perennial grown for its bold, rounded, leathery leaves and its sprays of pink, rose, or magenta flowers that appear in early spring.
The quirky common name comes from the squeaking sound the thick leaves make when rubbed between finger and thumb. In autumn and winter the foliage often flushes deep red and bronze, giving year-round interest.
It is an exceptionally adaptable, low-maintenance groundcover for the front of shady or sunny borders and for edging paths.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Large, rounded to heart-shaped, glossy, thick and leathery, evergreen; often turning red-bronze in cold weather
- Flowers: Clusters of small, bell-shaped pink to magenta (sometimes white) flowers on stout red stems in early spring
- Height: Foliage clumps about 12 in; flower stems slightly taller
- Habit: Spreading evergreen clump from thick surface rhizomes
- Squeak test: Leaves squeak when rubbed
Care & growing
- Light: Part shade to full sun; foliage colors up best with some sun and shelters from harsh midday sun in hot regions
- Water: Moderate, evenly moist soil preferred; tolerates some drought once established
- Soil: Adaptable to most soils, including clay and poor ground, with reasonable drainage
- Temperature: Hardy roughly USDA zones 3-8; evergreen in mild winters
- Feeding: Light; a spring compost topdressing is enough
- Propagation: Easy by dividing the rhizomes after flowering or in fall
Habitat & origin
Pigsqueak is native to Siberia, Mongolia, and Central and East Asia, where it grows on rocky slopes, woodland edges, and mountain meadows, giving it excellent cold hardiness and toughness.
In gardens it is widely used as evergreen edging and groundcover for borders, woodland gardens, and difficult dry or shady spots.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: Year-round evergreen foliage, early spring flowers, and winter leaf color make it a versatile edging and groundcover plant; leaves are also used in floral arrangements.
Ecological: Early flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators emerging in spring.
Practical: A reliable weed-suppressing groundcover for tough sites where many plants struggle.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called pigsqueak?
If you rub one of the thick, leathery leaves between your fingers, it makes a squeaking sound like a pig, which gave the plant its nickname.
Is pigsqueak evergreen?
Yes, the bold leaves are evergreen in most climates and often turn rich red or bronze in fall and winter, giving year-round interest.
Why are my bergenia leaves ragged or chewed?
Slugs, snails, and vine weevils sometimes nibble the leaves. Tidy old foliage, and control slugs if damage is heavy; the plant usually shrugs it off.
How do I keep pigsqueak looking tidy?
Remove tatty or winter-damaged leaves in early spring, deadhead spent flowers, and divide congested clumps every few years to refresh them.
Pigsqueak guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Pigsqueak.
