Pigsqueak Bergenia 'Britten'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Britten' is a striking perennial known for its robust, leathery leaves that boast a rich, glossy green color during the warmer months. As the cooler weather sets in, these leaves often take on magnificent reddish or bronze hues, adding a burst of autumnal color to the garden. The foliage of Bergenia 'Britten' tends to be large and has a rounded, heart-shaped appearance, often contributing to the plant's lush, ground-covering habit. During the blooming period, Bergenia 'Britten' showcases clusters of vibrant flowers, ranging in shades from deep pink to magenta. These blossoms stand atop sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, giving a striking vertical aspect to the plant's overall structure. The flowers are bell-shaped and usually form dense, eye-catching clusters that can add a pop of color to any garden space. The overall form of Bergenia 'Britten' is relatively compact and clumping, with its leaves growing in a tight rosette arrangement. This plant is particularly noted for its hardiness and its ability to withstand a range of garden conditions, from full sun to part shade. Its evergreen quality ensures that it provides year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden seeking to maintain visual appeal across all seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Elephant's Ears, Pigsqueak, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia
Common names
Bergenia ciliata 'Britten'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Bergenia, commonly known as 'Pigsqueak', is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in humans from ingesting this plant, and it is typically not considered to be hazardous. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and eating non-food plants can sometimes cause reactions due to the presence of various plant compounds. If ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild stomach upset, but such cases are rare. Always exercise caution and keep plants out of the reach of small children who might ingest plant parts out of curiosity.
To pets
Pigsqueak is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered non-toxic, and there is limited evidence of any serious health effects from pets ingesting this plant. However, individual animals might have sensitivities that could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large portions of the plant. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea, which tends to be self-limiting. If you suspect your pet has eaten a large amount of any plant, including Pigsqueak, and is showing signs of illness, it is prudent to seek veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow – Bergenia 'Britten' is a hardy plant that tolerates a range of soil conditions and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
- Seasonal interest – It offers year-round interest with evergreen leaves that change color in the fall and winter and pink flowers that bloom in early spring.
- Low maintenance – This plant requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and the removal of dead leaves or faded flowers.
- Ground cover – Its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Attracts wildlife – The flowers of Bergenia 'Britten' can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought-tolerant – Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Deer and rabbit resistant – Bergenia 'Britten' is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, reducing the risk of damage from these animals.
- Architectural – Its bold leaves and clumping habit can provide an architectural element to garden beds, borders, or container plantings.
- Soil stabilizer – With its ability to spread and form a dense mat, it can help stabilize slopes and banks.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bergenia 'Britten' leaves can be used in plant dyeing processes, offering a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The robust leaves of Bergenia 'Britten' can serve as natural mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Bergenia 'Britten' can be planted to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its clumping nature and large root system.
- The thick leaves of the plant can be used as a natural "bandage" to protect minor cuts or grazes, as they are large and have a slightly antiseptic property.
- Gardeners may use Bergenia 'Britten' as a living border or edging plant, offering year-round leaf color and texture contrast.
- The leaves of Bergenia 'Britten' pavers or stepping stones in the garden, providing a natural look and preventing soil from splashing onto the stones during rain.
- During the winter, the frost-resistant leaves of Bergenia 'Britten' can add visual interest to a garden when many other plants have died back.
- Bergenia 'Britten' can be used as a groundcover in shady areas where grass might struggle to grow due to its shade tolerance.
- The plant’s leathery leaves can be used in crafting, such as for creating leaf-print art or natural patterns in clay projects.
- The dense foliage of Bergenia 'Britten' can provide a hiding place or habitat for small garden wildlife, such as amphibians and beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity: Bergenias, known as "Pigsqueaks" for the sound their leaves make when rubbed, often symbolize tenacity due to their sturdy, persistent nature even in adverse conditions.
- Endurance: Pigsqueaks typically bloom in early spring, enduring cold temperatures and sometimes even snow, representing the ability to withstand and overcome challenges.
- Protection: With their thick, leathery leaves, Pigsqueaks are seen as symbols of protection, offering a natural shield against the elements and pests.
WaterElephant's Ears should be watered deeply to soak the soil thoroughly, then allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. During the growing season, watering may be necessary every week, especially in the absence of rainfall, using about one gallon per plant. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency to whenever the soil is dry to the touch, which may mean once every two to three weeks. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Adjust the amount and frequency based on temperature, light levels, and humidity, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not wet.
LightElephant's Ears prefer partially shaded to full shaded conditions, thriving best where they can receive bright, indirect light. An ideal spot would be under the canopy of larger plants or trees, or on the north or east side of a building where they are shielded from the intense afternoon sun. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can lead to sparse, weak growth.
TemperatureElephant's Ears can tolerate a range of temperatures but grow best when the daytime temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures do not drop much below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but freezing conditions can damage the foliage. Ideally, they should be protected from hot and cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningElephant's Ears require pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain their shape. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Snip off the spent flower stalks and any tattered leaves close to the base of the plant. Regularly removing spent flowers can also encourage more robust blooms during the next flowering cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears prefer moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can provide the ideal balance of nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention for optimal growth.
RepottingElephant's Ears should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It's best to repot in spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears thrive in moderate to high humidity levels. Maintaining indoor humidity around 50% is ideal for these plants to flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Britten', also known as Elephants' Ears, begins its life cycle as a seed which, upon germination, develops into a seedling with characteristic fleshy leaves. The seedling then grows into a mature plant that forms a basal rosette of large, rounded leaves. Over time, it undergoes vegetative growth, expanding through clumps that arise from its rhizomatous root system. In early to late spring, the plant produces robust flowering stalks with clusters of pink to magenta flowers. After pollination, typically by insects, these flowers develop into capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive phase. As a perennial, Bergenia 'Britten' then goes into a dormancy period in the winter, with its leaves often turning a reddish or purplish color, before resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Bergenia 'Britten', commonly known as Bergenia, is most effectively propagated by division. The best time to divide Bergenia plants is in the early spring or fall. To propagate Bergenia through division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. You will see that the plant has multiple crowns with their own root systems. Using a sharp knife or spade, separate these crowns, ensuring each division has a good root system and at least one shoot. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give them room to spread. Water the newly planted divisions deeply to help establish them.
