Also known as Pigsqueak · 473 gardener saves
Bergenia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Bergenia, the genus most gardeners know as pigsqueak. We track 17 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Bergenia varieties
Of 17 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHeartleaf Bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia 'Red Beauty'
#2 most savedBergenia Peppermint Patty
Bergenia x hybrida 'Peppermint Patty'
#3 most savedMs. Piggy Bergenia
Bergenia crassifolia 'Miss Piggy'
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears
Bergenia crassifolia 'Dragonfly 'Sakura''
Spring Fling Bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia 'Spring Fling'
Pig Squeak
Bergenia cordifolia 'Pig Squeak'
Pigsqueak
Bergenia crassifolia
Strachey's Bergenia
Bergenia x stracheyi
Pigsqueak
Bergenia crassifolia 'Once Upon a Dream'
Ripple Effect Elephant's Ears
Bergenia crassifolia 'Ripple Effect'
Hairy Bergenia
Bergenia ciliata
Fairytale Romance Heartleaf Bergenia
Bergenia crassifolia 'Fairytale Romance'
Browse all 17 Bergenia varieties →
How to grow Bergenia
What the Bergenia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 17 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Bergenia year
- DivideApril, August and September100% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 4-5 years in late summer or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove tattered or discolored winter leaves before new growth appears
- DeadheadApril and May76% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks back to the base after blooming
- MulchMarch41% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- FertilizeMarch35% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
What goes wrong with Bergenia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Vine weevils | Notched leaf edges | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing, mushy roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Bergenia
Division
- Dig up mature plant in early spring or fall
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Sow seeds in early spring in moist, well-draining soil
- Cover lightly with soil
- Keep soil moist until germination, which takes 2-4 weeks
- Transplant seedlings when large enough
Bergenia questions
How many types of Bergenia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 17 distinct Bergenia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 473 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Bergenia grow in?
Across its varieties, Bergenia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bergenia bloom?
Most Bergenia varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bergenia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Bergenia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
