A Large-Leaf Perennial Plant That Has a Pink Flower in the Spring
Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia), also known as pigsqueak, is an evergreen perennial that makes a good ground cover for shady gardens. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Bergenia is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Map zones 3 through 8. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soil
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Bergenia needs rich, moist and well-drained soil. It can tolerate alkaline soil.
Light
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Plant bergenia in partially shaded sites. It will tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
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Leaves
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Bergenia's evergreen leaves are medium to dark green in summer. In fall and winter, they take on a bronze or red hue, depending on the cultivar.
Flowers
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Bergenia sends up 12- to 24-inch tall spikes of flowers in spring. The species has rosy-pink flowers, but some cultivars have red, purple and white flowers.
Care
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Watch out for slugs and snails -- they like to feast on the thick leaves. Remove tattered leaves in spring. Deadhead flower stalks by cutting them to the ground. Divide the plants in spring every three to five years, or whenever the center of the plant dies out.
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