Red Bloom Bergenias Bergenia 'Rotblum'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Rotblum', commonly known as red bloom pig squeak, is a perennial ornamental plant notable for its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery with a rounded to heart-shaped form. They are held on stout stems, creating a robust clump of ground-covering foliage that can be evergreen in milder climates. In the fall and winter, the leaves often change color, turning attractive shades of red or bronze, enhancing the plant's seasonal interest. Red bloom pig squeak is acclaimed for its vibrant flowering display. The flowers emerge in dense clusters which may be seen perched above the foliage on sturdy stalks. The blossoms are a rich, reddish-pink color, appearing bell-shaped and nodding gently. They contribute a splash of color to the garden in spring, attracting attention and providing an early nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The contrast between the bold foliage and the delicate flowers creates a striking visual composition, making the plant a popular choice for borders, rockeries, and as a ground cover in shady areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Red-bloom Bergenia, Red-flowered Bergenia, Rotblum Elephant's Ears.
Common names
Bergenia cordifolia 'Rotblum'.
ToxicityTo humans
Pigsqueak is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of any part of the pigsqueak plant typically does not result in poisoning or severe symptoms. However, it is always prudent to avoid eating plants that are not known to be edible, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Pigsqueak is not known to be toxic to dogs, cats, or other pets. Ingestion of this plant should not cause poisoning or serious health issues in pets. As with humans, it's always best to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended as food to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Seasonal Interest: Bergenia 'Rotblum', commonly known as Bergenia, provides year-round interest with evergreen leaves that often turn reddish in winter.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant blooms in early spring, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Bergenia is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels of experience.
- Tolerance of Various Soil Types: The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil.
- Shade Tolerance: Bergenia thrives in partial shade, making it suitable for planting under larger trees and in shaded areas of the garden where other plants might struggle.
- Rounded and Dense Growth: Its growth habit helps to provide ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance requirements.
- Ornamental Foliage: The large, leathery leaves offer textural contrast to other plants in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Bergenia can tolerate periods of drought, making it a reliable choice for gardens in drier climates or water-conservation areas.
- Cold Hardiness: Bergenia is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, often being hardy in cooler climates where other plants might not survive without protection.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bergenia 'Rotblum' may be used to reduce inflammation in traditional medicine.
- Antimicrobial: The plant is thought to possess antimicrobial properties that can help fight certain infections.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, it is sometimes used to promote the production of urine and can aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
- Astringent: The astringent qualities of Bergenia 'Rotblum' might be beneficial in toning tissues and minimizing bleeding.
- Expectorant: It has been used to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Gastrointestinal aid: The plant may provide assistance for various digestive issues, acting as a soothing agent for the stomach and intestines.
- Wound healing: Topically, some traditions may use it for its purported wound-healing abilities due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bergenia 'Rotblum' can be used to create a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover in shady garden areas, as it thrives in partial to full shade.
- The thick leaves of the Bergenia species can be utilized as a 'natural mulch' when they fall, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Because of its dense foliage, Bergenia can provide a habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife to hide and nest in a garden ecosystem.
- The flowers of the Bergenia plant can be used in floral arrangements, adding a burst of pink to bouquets and tabletop displays.
- Bergenia leaves can be used in craft projects, such as leaf printing or nature-inspired art, because of their large, sturdy nature.
- During autumn, when the leaves turn a rich bronze or red color, Bergenia 'Rotblum' can add to a garden's aesthetic appeal as a decorative plant for fall interest.
- Its robust root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas where other plants may not grow as successfully.
- In water-wise gardening, Bergenia can be an excellent choice for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance once established.
- Bergenia's leaves can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Given its ability to thrive in rocky gardens, Bergenia 'Rotblum' can be planted in crevices of retaining walls to soften the look of hardscaping and add color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity and resilience: Bergenia, often called "pigsqueak" due to the sound produced by rubbing its leaves, symbolizes tenacity and resilience as it can thrive in harsh conditions and withstand trampling.
- Adaptability and Endurance: Pigsqueak is able to adapt to various environments, reflecting characteristics of adaptability and endurance.
- Protection: The thick, leathery leaves of pigsqueak can symbolize protection, as they shield the plant from extreme weather and pests.
- Long-lasting affection: With its persistent foliage and flowers that can endure through seasons, pigsqueak may represent long-lasting affection or emotions that stand the test of time.
WaterElephant's Ears should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with about one to two gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the climate conditions. In the winter, reduce watering to every other week, and be cautious of overwatering as the plant is less active and excess moisture can lead to root rot.
LightElephant's Ears prefers partial shade to full shade conditions, thus the best spot for the plant is one where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in direct, intense sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureElephant's Ears thrives in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F, which are ideal conditions. It can survive minimally at a temperature as low as 20°F, but for healthy growth, it's best to avoid exposure to temperatures below freezing for extended periods.
PruningPrune Elephant's Ears to remove dead or damaged leaves and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in the spring before the growing season starts. Cut back as needed, but no more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears prefers moist, well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter. For Bergenia 'Rotblum', a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is optimal for healthy growth and foliage coloration.
RepottingElephant's Ears is typically repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Due to its hardy nature, Bergenia 'Rotblum' does not need frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears thrives in average household humidity levels. Bergenia 'Rotblum' does not require high humidity and can tolerate drier conditions, but benefits from occasional misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Elephant's Ears near a window with filtered light; keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant Elephant's Ears in partial shade; shelter from harsh sun and wind.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Rotblum', commonly known as Red Bloom Bergenia, starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix and given the right conditions of light and temperature, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a vegetative plant, developing a rosette of sturdy, leathery leaves at the base from which flower stalks emerge. This perennial plant enters a flowering phase during the spring, producing striking pinkish-red blooms that attract pollinators and can last for several weeks. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and the foliage often turns reddish-bronze in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Throughout the winter, Bergenia 'Rotblum' persists with its evergreen leaves, although the plant may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates. In subsequent years, the plant gradually expands through rhizomes, forming dense clumps, and repeats the flowering cycle annually, with minimal care required to thrive.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Bergenia 'Rotblum', commonly known as Red Bloom Bergenia, is typically propagated through division, a process best done in the fall or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you have a good amount of roots. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with several growth buds. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before and water thoroughly to establish. This method is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to expand their Bergenia collection or share with others.
