Pigsqueak Bergenia 'Schneekissen'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Scheneekissen', commonly known as elephant's ears due to its large and rounded foliage, has a distinctive and lush appearance. The leaves are notably thick and leathery, boasting a deep green color that can turn to shades of bronze or purple in colder weather. Informed by the plant's nickname, the leaves resemble an elephant's ear in their broad, rounded shape and their somewhat puckered texture. Adding to its decorative appearance are the clusters of flowers that it produces. The blossoms are delicate and small, usually forming a tight cluster atop a sturdy stalk that rises above the foliage. These flowers have a pinkish or white hue, which provides a soft contrast to the bold green of the leaves. The plant's overall appearance is one of robustness and fullness, with the leaves often overlapping to create a dense cover. Elephant's ears has the ability to bring a touch of the wild and natural to garden spaces, and their unique foliage becomes a point of interest throughout the year, even outside their blooming season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Leather Bergenia, Winter-Blooming Bergenia, Snow Cushion Bergenia.
Common names
Bergenia 'Schneekissen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia, commonly known as pigsqueak, is not generally known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting that ingestion of significant quantities may result in gastrointestinal discomfort or other mild symptoms due to the plant's tannin content; however, pigsqueak is not commonly associated with serious health risks or mortality upon ingestion.
To pets
The Bergenia plant, commonly known as pigsqueak, is not typically toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no well-documented evidence of pigsqueak causing serious health issues in pets, although as with any non-food plant, ingesting large amounts can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always prudent to prevent pets from consuming plants not meant for their diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Bergenia 'Schneekissen' is known for requiring minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can survive with relatively little water, making it ideal for dry climates and water-wise gardens.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms, it provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it an excellent choice for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Winter Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of the Bergenia 'Schneekissen', or Bergenia, can be used to produce a range of dyes for fabrics, giving colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Garden border design: Bergenia plants are often used for edging in gardens, with their broad, often evergreen leaves providing a contrasting texture to other border plants.
- Ground cover in shady areas: Due to its tolerance for shade and the dense foliage it provides, Bergenia 'Schneekissen' is an effective ground cover plant in shaded garden spots where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Frost-resistant gardening: Bergenia plants are known for their hardiness in cold weather, making them a suitable choice for gardens in regions with harsh winters.
- Erosion control: Bergenia can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion, as their root system helps to stabilize the soil.
- Leaf art: The distinctive large leaves of the Bergenia can be used in botanical prints and arts and crafts projects for textural and shape interest.
- Accents in floral arrangements: Bergenia leaves are sturdy and can add a lush, green backdrop to cut flower arrangements.
- Companion planting: Bergenia 'Schneekissen' can be used as a companion plant to create diverse planting schemes where its foliage contrasts with other perennials or groundcovers.
- Seasonal interest: The foliage of Bergenia often changes color in the fall, giving gardens a burst of seasonal color outside of the typical flowering season.
- Living mulch: Bergenia's thick foliage can act as a living mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.
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 - Bergenia, often referred to as 'Pigsqueak' due to the sound its leaves make when rubbed together, often symbolizes tenacity because of its hardy nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Endurance - 'Schneekissen' translates to 'Snow Cushion', highlighting its capability to endure cold weather and even snow, making endurance one of its symbolic meanings.
- Protection - Its leathery leaves and robust growth habit can symbolize protection, as the plant forms a dense mat that can protect the soil and smaller plants nearby.
WaterPigsqueak should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, which typically means applying enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least an inch. During the growing season, water the plant once a week, or more frequently if you're experiencing hot, dry weather. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot. When the plant is established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but consistent watering will promote healthier growth. In general, using about one gallon of water every week per plant is sufficient, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions.
LightPigsqueak thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal location for this plant is a spot where it will receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. However, it can also grow well in an area that has dappled sunlight throughout the day, such as under a canopy of deciduous trees.
TemperaturePigsqueak is quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 85°F. However, it prefers a cool to mild range, ideally between 60°F and 75°F. Proper mulching can help protect the roots in colder temperatures, and the plant should be placed in a location where it can stay cooler during the peak summer heat.
PruningPigsqueak benefits from pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. The best time to prune is in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the old leaves to ground level to encourage fresh, new leaves to emerge. Pruning should be done annually to keep the plant healthy and prevent it from becoming too crowded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBergenia, commonly known as Heartleaf Bergenia, prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. A good mix for Heartleaf Bergenia would be a combination of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand. Ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingHeartleaf Bergenia typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 3 to 4 years. If the roots have filled the pot or if the soil is exhausted, it is time to repot. Choose a slightly larger pot to give the plant room to grow.
Humidity & MistingHeartleaf Bergenia thrives in average household humidity levels. However, it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity to grow well, making it a versatile option for various indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide Heartleaf Bergenia with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant Heartleaf Bergenia in partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Schneekissen', commonly known as Winter Glow Pigsqueak, begins life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions, ideally in the spring. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a small plant with characteristic rounded, leathery leaves. Over time, the plant forms a rosette and grows larger, with leaves becoming evergreen in areas with milder winters. In the spring, mature bergenias produce flower stalks topped with clusters of pinkish-white blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. With the onset of autumn and cooler temperatures, the foliage often takes on reddish or bronze tones, adding seasonal interest before the cycle begins anew with the next year's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Bergenia 'Schneekissen', commonly known as Snow Carpet, is most popularly propagated by division. This is a straightforward process that is best performed in the fall or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring a substantial amount of roots with each section. Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller clumps, each with several growth points. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Snow Carpet while maintaining the health and vigor of the parent plant.
