Pigsqueak Bergenia 'Eroica'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Eroica' is noted for its striking foliage and showy flowers. The leaves are large, leathery, and glossy, often described as having a paddle or heart shape. They can display a range of colors through the seasons, being a deep green during warmer months and often turning a beautiful red or bronze in colder weather, which adds to the plant's year-round interest. The flowers of Bergenia 'Eroica' rise above the foliage on strong stalks, forming clusters of bell-shaped blooms. These flowers are usually a deep pink or magenta color and can be quite prominent and attractive, drawing the attention of passersby as well as pollinators like bees. They bloom in early spring, which can bring a welcome splash of color after a long winter. This feature makes the plant particularly valued in gardens where seasonal colors are appreciated. Overall, Bergenia 'Eroica' has a robust and lush appearance, with the foliage providing a rich backdrop for the vibrant, eye-catching flowers that emerge in the right season. It is often used in landscaping for its ornamental appeal and its ability to provide ground cover with its dense growth habit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Large Rockfoil, Heartleaf Bergenia.
Common names
Bergenia 'Eroica'
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia, including the 'Eroica' cultivar, is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting any significant poisonous effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is generally advised not to consume parts of ornamental plants because they are not intended for human consumption and could potentially cause mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Bergenia, commonly referred to by the same name for pets, is not typically considered toxic to dogs and cats. There is little evidence indicating that Bergenia 'Eroica' or other cultivars of this plant possess significant toxicity that would lead to poisoning in pets. However, pets may sometimes experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest large quantities of non-food plants, so it is wise to discourage pets from chewing on Bergenia or any other ornamental plants for their overall well-being.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow - Bergenia 'Eroica' is known for being a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions and doesn't require frequent watering.
- Attractive foliage - The plant has large, glossy leaves that provide visual interest even when it is not in bloom.
- Seasonal color - In addition to the flowers, the leaves can turn to attractive shades of red and bronze in the fall.
- Ground cover - It grows densely and can be used to cover ground effectively, helping to suppress weeds.
- Long blooming period - Bergenia 'Eroica' has a relatively long flowering period, often blooming from early to mid-spring.
- Shade tolerance - This plant is capable of growing in shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Attracts wildlife - The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Evergreen - In many climates, Bergenia 'Eroica' retains its leaves throughout the winter, providing year-round greenery.
- Works well in various garden styles - It can fit into formal gardens, cottage gardens, or even rock gardens, demonstrating versatility.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bergenia 'Eroica' may contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: There could be components in the plant that exhibit antimicrobial effects against certain pathogens.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, some Bergenia species may be used to promote diuresis, aiding in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Antioxidant: The plant might possess antioxidants which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
- Astringent: The astringent properties can potentially be utilized for tightening tissues or stopping bleeding.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bergenia 'Eroica' leaves can be used as a natural dye, imparting rich tannins that can produce earthy colors on fabric and paper.
- The thick, leathery leaves of the Bergenia are sometimes used in floral arrangements to provide a backdrop for more delicate flowers.
- In colder climates, the Bergenia 'Eroica' can be used as an evergreen ground cover, providing year-round greenery when most other plants have wilted or gone dormant.
- The Bergenia’s leaves can serve as a moderate insect repellent due to their tough texture and composition, which some garden pests find unappealing.
- During the winter months, the leaves of Bergenia 'Eroica' take on a bronze-purple hue and can be used to add a splash of color to winter gardens.
- The plant’s durability makes it a suitable option for planting in urban areas where it can withstand pollution and still provide green space.
- Gardeners sometimes use the thick leaves as natural stepping stones within their gardens, providing a unique and organic pathway.
- Garden design can incorporate Bergenia 'Eroica' as a living border to define spaces or separate different types of plantings.
- The plant can be grown in containers where it can live on balconies and patios, adding greenery to urban outdoor spaces.
- Bergenia 'Eroica' is sometimes used as a teaching tool in horticulture classes because of its interesting leaf structure and adaptability to different environments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity and Strength: The name 'Eroica' is reminiscent of the word 'heroic', symbolizing the resilience and passion of heroes or strong figures, reflecting the plant's robust nature that can thrive in tough conditions.
- Adaptability: Bergenia, also known as "pigsqueak," is known for its ability to adapt to a variety of climates and soils, making it a symbol of flexibility and the ability to prosper in diverse environments.
- Protection: With its large leaves, Bergenia offers shelter to smaller plants and wildlife, signifying a symbol of protection and nurture.
- Enduring Love: Due to its evergreen nature, Bergenia is often considered a symbol of everlasting or enduring love, representing relationships that can withstand the tests of time.
- Spring Awakening: The plant blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of renewal, hope, and the awakening of life after winter.
WaterElephant's Ears should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week. During the growing season in spring and summer, they may require more frequent watering, possibly twice a week if the weather is particularly dry or hot. In the cooler months, reduce watering to every other week or less, as the plant's water needs decrease. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Each watering session should involve adding enough water to soak the soil thoroughly which might be around 1 to 2 gallons for an outdoor plant, depending on size and soil conditions.
LightElephant's Ears thrive in partial shade but can tolerate some morning sun or bright, indirect light. They should be placed in a spot where they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. An ideal location would be under the canopy of open-branched trees or on a north-facing porch that receives ambient sunlight.
TemperatureElephant's Ears prefer temperate climates and do well in a temperature range between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temporary dips down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from extreme cold. The ideal conditions for these plants are cool to moderate temperatures without exposure to hot or freezing weather.
PruningElephant's Ears should be pruned to remove old, damaged, or discolored leaves which helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages new growth. Pruning is typically done in the spring before new growth starts or as needed throughout the year. It is not necessary to prune these plants frequently; once a season is often sufficient. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBergenia 'Eroica,' also known as Elephants Ears, thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining, fertile and humus-rich. A blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite would create an ideal environment. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingElephants Ears should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow space for growth. These plants generally don't need frequent repotting unless they've outgrown their current pot.
Humidity & MistingElephants Ears prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Maintaining indoor humidity above 40% mimics their natural environment and supports their lush foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong wind, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Eroica', also known as 'Eroica' bergenia, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate or when new plants are propagated by division in early spring. Following germination, it develops a rosette of large, leathery, evergreen leaves that persist through the growing season. In late winter or early spring, 'Eroica' bergenia sends up flower stalks which bear clusters of showy, bell-shaped flowers ranging from deep pink to magenta. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed to generate new plants, but propagation by division is more common for maintaining cultivar traits. Throughout the summer and into fall, the plant continues to grow vegetatively, storing energy in its rhizomes for the next flowering season. The leaves may turn attractive shades of bronze-red in fall and winter, completing the annual cycle while the rhizomes persist through winter in a dormant state, ready to start the cycle anew with the return of spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Bergenia 'Eroica', commonly known as Siberian Tea, is best propagated during spring to early summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections. Carefully dig up the Bergenia clump, ensuring a good amount of the root structure is undisturbed with each section. Each section should have at least one growth point or eye and a portion of the root system. This keeps the plant's ability to quickly establish when replanted. Replant the divisions promptly at the same soil depth they were previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Thorough watering after replanting is important to help the divisions settle and reduce transplant shock.
