Bergenia Bergenia 'Eric Smith'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Eric Smith' is characterized by its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves of Bergenia 'Eric Smith' are notably large, leathery, and often heart-shaped. They have a lush, glossy appearance and can exhibit a range of colors, from deep green to bronze, particularly taking on a reddish or purplish hue in colder weather. In the spring season, Bergenia 'Eric Smith' produces striking flower spikes that hold clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink to dark magenta in color. The blooms are arranged neatly above the foliage, adding a touch of elegance to the plant's overall appearance. The combination of the colorful blossoms and year-round attractive foliage makes Bergenia 'Eric Smith' a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia
Common names
Bergenia 'Eric Smith'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia 'Eric Smith', commonly referred to as Pigsqueak, is not typically known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting toxicity; however, as with many plants, it may cause minor irritations such as a skin rash or upset stomach if ingested or handled without protection, especially in individuals with plant sensitivities or allergies. Ingesting large quantities may pose more risk, so it is advisable to avoid consuming any part of this plant.
To pets
Pigsqueak is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. While it is always safest to prevent pets from ingesting plants, there are no well-documented toxic effects from pets consuming Pigsqueak. However, similar to humans, individual pets may experience gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions if they consume parts of the plant, especially in larger quantities. It is advisable to monitor pets and keep plants out of their reach to avoid potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Bergenia 'Eric Smith' requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant retains its leaves throughout the year, providing constant greenery and visual interest in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it a good choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the plant attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it effective for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds in garden beds.
- Seasonal Interest: Bergenia 'Eric Smith' offers year-round interest with evergreen leaves, spring blooms, and sometimes red or bronze winter foliage.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas of their garden or to share with friends.
- Hardy: It is winter hardy to USDA zones 4 through 8, making it a resilient choice for gardens in a range of climates.
- Soil Versatility: It can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-draining soil.
- Shade Tolerant: Bergenia 'Eric Smith' can thrive in partial to full shade, offering a flowering option for darker parts of the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pigment Source: The roots and leaves of Bergenia can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics and papers.
- Garden Path Edge: Their broad leaves and clumping nature make them excellent choices for lining garden paths for a neat and decorative look.
- Weather Indicator: Some gardeners observe that the leaves of Bergenia can indicate humidity changes, as they tend to curl when the air is dry.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant's bold foliage and flowers often serve as subjects for botanical illustrations and garden photography.
- Ice Plant Marker: Bergenia leaves turn red in response to cold, acting as a visual indicator of the first frosts for gardeners.
- Tanning Leather: Historically, the tannins in Bergenia could be used in tanning leather as a natural mordant.
- Water Feature Companion: These plants are great companions around water features due to their ability to tolerate moist soil conditions.
- Compost Material: Dead leaves and flower stalks from Bergenia can be added to compost piles where they decompose and enrich the soil.
- Drama in Shade Gardens: Because of their large, glossy leaves, they bring texture and a tropical feel to shaded garden areas which might lack excitement.
- Seasonal Interest: With foliage that changes color in the fall and blooms during spring, Bergenias provide multi-seasonal interest in a landscape design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Bergenia, also known as 'Pigsqueak' due to the sound its leaves make when rubbed together, is a plant that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt and flourish in diverse environments.
- Hardiness: As a plant that can withstand tough conditions, including cold winters, Pigsqueak represents resilience and the capacity to endure challenges.
- Protection: The large leaves of Pigsqueak act as a protective cover for smaller plants, symbolizing shelter and the idea of safeguarding oneself or others.
- Enduring Love: The perennial nature of Pigsqueak, which returns year after year, is often associated with enduring affection and long-lasting relationships.
- Growth: Pigsqueak's ability to spread and grow in clumps can be seen as a symbol of personal growth or the expansion of ideas and projects.
WaterFor the Bergenia 'Eric Smith', commonly known as the heartleaf bergenia, it is crucial to maintain even soil moisture without waterlogging the plant. They should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this translates to adding water about once a week, but frequency must be adjusted based on seasonal temperature and humidity conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, heartleaf bergenias may need more frequent watering, while in winter, less frequent watering is required. Ensure you provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots, which generally amounts to 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the pot or garden area it occupies.
LightHeartleaf bergenias, which include the 'Eric Smith' variety, prefer partial shade but can also tolerate full sun conditions in cooler climates. Ideally, place them in a location where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the intense afternoon sun, as this will help prevent leaf scorch. These plants can also thrive under dappled light, such as that offered by deciduous trees or a pergola.
TemperatureHeartleaf bergenia 'Eric Smith' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving in conditions that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for gardens in colder regions. However, for optimal growth and health, avoid exposure to prolonged temperatures outside of this range, especially extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning heartleaf bergenia 'Eric Smith' is mostly done to remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or withered leaves to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth. This is best carried out in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is also an ideal time to divide clumps if necessary. Deadheading, or the removal of old flower heads, can also be performed to prolong the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBergenia, commonly known as pigsqueak, thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, with good drainage. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or peat moss, and one part perlite or sand would be ideal. Pigsqueak prefers a soil pH of slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.2. Regular mulching helps maintain moisture and soil structure.
RepottingPigsqueak, or Bergenia 'Eric Smith', does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting this plant to minimize stress and allow for quick establishment.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity conditions for pigsqueak are moderate to high. This plant does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors, but if grown indoors, it benefits from increased humidity, which can be achieved by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place pigsqueak in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant pigsqueak in partial shade, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Eric Smith', also known as Heartleaf Bergenia or Pigsqueak, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in favorable conditions, develops into a small seedling. The seedling grows into a rosette of large, leathery, heart-shaped evergreen leaves which persist through the winter. In spring, the plant reaches a mature phase and produces tall flower stalks topped with clusters of pink or white bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators to the garden. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds which can be dispersed for propagation, though Bergenia often spreads more effectively through its rhizomatous root system. In its perennial growth stage, it maintains a clump-forming habit, increasing in size each year. As part of its natural cycle, older leaves may die back, to be replaced by fresh growth from the plant's center.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Bergenia 'Eric Smith', commonly known as Bergenia, is propagated primarily through division. The best time for this is generally in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground using a garden fork, ensuring that you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease the clumps apart into smaller sections, each with several healthy roots and at least one or two growing points or shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation is simple and effective, allowing gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and will usually flower within a year or two.
