Bergenia

Bergenia is a genus of evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae. Native to rocky areas of Asia, including the Himalayas and parts of China, Korea, and Mongolia, bergenias are widely cultivated for year‑round foliage and spring flowers. They are commonly known as pig squeak or heartleaf bergenia, names linked to their large, rounded leaves.

Plants form low, tufted clumps with thick, leathery leaves that can be 20 to 50 cm long. Leaves are evergreen, typically green but may take bronze or purplish tones in winter. In spring, bergenias produce tall flower stalks with dense racemes of pink to rosy flowers, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Bergenia tolerates a range of soils but prefers rich, well-drained moisture; partial shade to full sun depending on climate, with some shade beneficial in hot regions. It spreads slowly by rhizomes and is often used as groundcover or for edging and rock gardens. It is hardy to cold climates, with many varieties suitable for USDA zones 3 to 8.

Care is straightforward: remove spent flower stalks if desired, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor. It is generally pest and disease resistant but can suffer from crown or root rot in poorly drained soils or excessively wet winters. Some cultivars offer compact forms or foliage with colors ranging from bronze to variegated.