'Peppermint Patty' Pigsqueak (Bergenia)
Perennial
- Reliable evergreen perennial that attracts pollinators.
- Easy to grow and resistant to deer and rabbits.
- Lovely pink and white flowers welcome spring!
- Zones 3-8, sun/part sun/shade, 22” tall X 18” wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Pigsqueak, or Bergenia, is a versatile evergreen perennial that adds beauty to different gardens, including charming cottage gardens, pollinator gardens attracting bees and butterflies, cut flower gardens prioritizing bold blooms, and coastal gardens requiring plants to withstand harsh sea breezes. Try planting this perennial as an accent, border, or edging in the landscape, and we're sure you'll be delighted each spring!
Details
Common name: Pigsqueak, Heartleaf Bergenia
Zone: 4-8
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun), Part Sun (4-6 hours sun), Shade (< 4 hours sun)
Height x width: 22” X 18”’
Flower color: White, pink
Foliage color: Green
Season of Interest: Year-round
Bloom time: Spring
Features: Best for beginners, deer-resistant, rabbit-resistant, salt tolerant, container plant, ground cover, Proven Winners, evergreen
Uses: Border, naturalizing, cottage garden, coastal garden, pollinator garden, foundation planting, massing, accent, cut flower, edging, erosion control
How to Grow
Light: Bergenia thrives in almost any amount of sunlight, but performs best in part sun (4-6 hours sun).
Water: Has average water needs.
Spacing: 18”-24”
Fertilizing: Fertilizer needs are low. If you have poor soil, feed during the spring growing season with a light application of slow-release fertilizer.
Winterizing: No specific care is needed. Evergreen in the South but may suffer considerable winter damage in colder climates. To prevent winter damage, add a thin layer of mulch in late fall.
Maintenance & pruning: Remove all damaged foliage in late winter to early spring. Promptly remove spent flowering stems.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.