Pigsqueak Bergenia 'Frau Holle'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Bergenia 'Frau Holle' is a visually striking plant, recognized most notably for its large, glossy leaves which resemble elephant ears in shape and often display a rich, dark green. As the seasons change, these leaves can acquire a reddish-bronze tinge, giving the plant an additional splash of color when the temperature starts to drop. The plant blooms during the springtime, producing clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are typically vivid pink to magenta in hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the verdant foliage. The flowers rise above the leaves on sturdy stems, offering a commanding presence in any garden setting. This variety of Bergenia is appreciated for its robust nature and its ability to provide year-round interest thanks to evergreen leaves that persist through the seasons.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Saxifragaceae
- Synonyms
  Elephant's Ears, Pigsqueak, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Megaasea
- Common names
  Bergenia 'Frau Holle'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Bergenia is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information available on its toxicity, but it is generally not considered dangerous if accidentally ingested. However, as with any plant material, sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction.
- To pets
  Bergenia is not commonly known for being toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There is little to no information suggesting serious toxicity in pets, but it is still a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of any non-food plant material, as it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in more sensitive animals.
Characteristics
- Life 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
  3
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' has attractive, large, glossy leaves and vibrant pink flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant provides year-round interest with evergreen foliage and spring blooms that add color to gardens during otherwise dull seasons.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bergenia is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with little need for pruning, fertilizing, or protection from pests and diseases.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partial shade, making it an ideal choice for underplanting in woodland settings or north-facing gardens where sunlight is limited.
- Soil Adaptability: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
- Cold Hardy: It is frost hardy and can survive in cold climates, making it a robust addition to gardens in temperate regions.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of the Bergenia plant attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Ground Cover: Its clumping growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and minimizing soil erosion.
- Border Planting: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' works well as a border plant along walkways or garden beds, providing structure and defining garden spaces.
- Container Gardening: This versatile plant can also be grown in containers, allowing for garden displays on patios, balconies, and other paved areas.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' may possess anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: The plant may contain compounds with antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: Constituents of the plant might exhibit antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Diuretic: Traditional use suggests that the plant may have diuretic effects, aiding in the elimination of fluid from the body.
- Astringent: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' could have astringent qualities, which can help tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
- Hemostatic: The plant may be used to stop bleeding due to its possible hemostatic or blood clotting properties.
Reference: - Traditional use in herbal medicine, no clinical trials to fully support these uses have been found. Therefore, while these are potential medicinal properties, they should not be taken as proven treatments without further research and verification by health professionals.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Leather Tanning: The leaves of Bergenia 'Frau Holle' contain tannins, which can be used in the leather tanning process to produce soft, pliable leather.
- Natural Dye: The roots of Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can be boiled to extract a natural dye for coloring fabrics and yarns in shades of red, brown, or pink.
- Garden Pathway Edging: The plant’s large, evergreen leaves can serve as a decorative and durable edge for garden pathways.
- Floral Arrangements: The pink flowers of Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can add a touch of spring to indoor floral arrangements with their long-lasting blooms.
- Ornamental Ground Cover: Its ability to form dense clusters makes it an effective ground cover that can help suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: With leaves that change color in the fall, Bergenia 'Frau Holle' is used to add seasonal interest in landscape design.
- Craft Projects: The sturdy foliage can be incorporated into various craft projects, including the making of natural wreaths and table centerpieces.
- Water Garden Accent: Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can be planted alongside ponds and water features for an attractive accent that tolerates damp conditions.
- Frost Tolerance Indicator: Since the leaves of Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can take on a reddish hue in response to cold, gardeners may use it as a visual indication of frosty weather.
- Photography Backdrop: The plant's aesthetic foliage and flowers can serve as a beautiful natural backdrop for outdoor photography.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Endurance: Bergenia, commonly known as 'Pigsqueak', is known for its robustness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolizing the resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.
- Protection: With its large leaves, Pigsqueak is thought to symbolize shelter and protection, offering a safe haven in its foliage.
- Adaptability: As Bergenia thrives in a variety of climates and conditions, it represents the ability to adapt and thrive in different environments and situations.
- Evergreen Beauty: Since Pigsqueak maintains its foliage throughout the year, it symbolizes everlasting beauty and consistency, reminding us of the enduring qualities of nature.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For Bergenia, commonly known as Pigsqueak, it's important to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically about once a week. Pigsqueak generally requires approximately one gallon of water per watering session for an average-sized plant, but this may vary depending on the plant's environment and pot size. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging as the plant's growth slows. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage to avoid standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Light
Pigsqueak thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. This makes it a suitable plant for north-facing gardens or areas that are shaded by trees or buildings. However, Bergenia 'Frau Holle' can tolerate some morning sunlight, which can enhance leaf color, but it should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Temperature
Pigsqueak prefers cooler temperatures and can thrive in a range between 35°F and 75°F. It is hardy and can survive short periods of colder weather, withstanding temperatures down to about -20°F. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, as temperatures above 85°F may stress the plant and impact its growth adversely.
Pruning
Pigsqueak benefits from pruning to remove spent flower stalks and damaged or withered leaves. This tidy-up is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient for maintaining a healthy plant and encouraging robust growth in the spring. Deadheading after blooming can also encourage a second bloom.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Elephant's Ears prefer a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal for maintaining the right moisture balance.
Repotting
Elephant's Ears should be repotted every two to three years, or when the plant outgrows its current container, to ensure it has enough room to grow and receive adequate nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Elephant's Ears thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity conditions common in home environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Elephant's Ears in bright, indirect light with ample humidity.
- Outdoor
  Plant in part shade, shelter from strong winds, in well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Bergenia 'Frau Holle', also known as heartleaf bergenia, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in moist soil conditions with partial to full shade. Upon sprouting, the seedling gradually matures into a clump-forming perennial with broad, heart-shaped evergreen leaves. Throughout the growth phase, the plant develops thick rhizomes underground, which contribute to its perennial nature. In early spring, flower stalks emerge, topped with clusters of bell-shaped pink flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the flowers fade, and the plant directs energy back into leaf and rhizome growth to prepare for dormancy in winter. Throughout its life, Bergenia 'Frau Holle' continues the cycle of vegetative growth and flowering annually, while gradually spreading through its rhizomes to form larger clumps.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Bergenia 'Frau Holle', commonly known as Heartleaf Bergenia or Pigsqueak, is typically propagated by division, which is a simple and effective method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide Bergenia is either in the early spring as new growth is starting or in the autumn after the plant has finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of Bergenia, ensuring you keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several growing points or rosettes of leaves and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. After planting, water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new location.