Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut' WINTER GLOW)
Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut' WINTER GLOW, or Pigsqueak, offers tough, leathery foliage and magenta-red spring flowers. Ideal for shade gardens and ground cover.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW, commonly known as Pigsqueak, is a highly valued, tough herbaceous perennial celebrated for its evergreen, leathery foliage. This cultivar is especially noted because its leaves take on attractive reddish or purplish-bronze tones during the colder months, providing essential winter interest. Its tolerance for heavy shade makes it an indispensable feature for dark borders or woodland settings.
This plant forms dense, slowly spreading clumps, making it an excellent naturalizing ground cover that suppresses weeds effectively. In the spring, Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW sends up stout stalks bearing clusters of vibrant magenta-red flowers, drawing the eye when little else is blooming. Gardeners appreciate Pigsqueak for its low maintenance requirements and reliability across various soil types, provided drainage is adequate.
The robust nature of this perennial ensures year-round structure in the landscape, transitioning gracefully from the magenta blooms of spring to the bronzed foliage of winter. Whether used as edging or mass planted, Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW provides consistent texture and color with minimal input required from the gardener.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Magenta-red
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW in average, medium, well-drained soil. While highly adaptable, this perennial thrives best when placed in part shade to full shade locations, mimicking its preferred dappled light conditions. It will tolerate a wide spectrum of soils but performs optimally in moist, humus-rich environments.
Care for this perennial is straightforward, reflecting its low maintenance rating. Water consistently to maintain medium moisture levels, especially when first establishing the plant, though established specimens show good drought tolerance. No significant fertilization is usually required; excessive richness can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
A crucial maintenance step involves cleanup in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. At this time, promptly remove any older foliage that has become damaged over the winter, particularly in colder zones where leaf crisping is common. Also, deadhead or promptly remove spent flowering stems after the magenta-red blooms fade to maintain a tidy appearance.
Landscape Uses
Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW excels as a low-maintenance ground cover where broad expanses of evergreen texture are needed, particularly under dense tree canopies. Its spreading habit allows it to naturallyize beautifully, forming dense carpets that stabilize soil and suppress unwelcome weeds. Consider using this perennial for shaded border fronts, lending weight and permanence to the edge of a planting bed.
The substantial, rounded foliage makes Pigsqueak an excellent choice for edging paths and walkways, as its structure remains firm all year. It pairs well with shade-loving woodland plants such as Hosta, Ferns, Astilbe, or Hellebores, offering a contrasting leaf shape and early spring color. Furthermore, if you require reliable structural plants for rock gardens where moisture retention is decent, this Bergenia fulfills that requirement perfectly.
For floral designers, the thick, leathery leaves of Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW are highly desirable. They are suitable for use as fresh cut flower material, providing durable green (or bronze) filler that holds up well in arrangements long after mid-spring.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Bergenia cordifolia, commonly called pigsqueak, is a clump-forming perennial which is primarily grown as a ground cover. It features large rosettes of leathery, glossy, toothed, rounded, dark green leaves that are heart-shaped at the base. The foliage of Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW turns purplish-bronze in winter, and its magenta-red flowers appear in dense panicles atop sturdy stalks in April. The common name Pig Squeak comes from the noise produced when rubbing a leaf between the thumb and finger.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Erosion
Potential Problems
Serious insect or disease problems are rarely reported for Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW, making it a trustworthy plant choice. Furthermore, rabbits and deer tend to avoid this perennial entirely, offering reliable browse protection in areas where those animals are present. The greatest potential issues usually stem from culture—specifically poor drainage leading to rot, or excessive winter exposure in marginal hardiness zones causing foliage scorch.
If you notice significant winter damage or browning on the leaves in Zone 4, focus on providing a slightly more protected location or applying a thicker layer of mulch after the ground freezes to insulate the crowns. Ensure the soil drains well; standing water, especially during winter dormancy, is the most likely cause of decline for this generally robust plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pigsqueak suitable for?
Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW is hardy and reliably grows in USDA Zones 4 through 8, providing excellent winter interest across this range.
How large does Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, with an equal spread of 1 to 1.5 feet, forming a compact, slowly spreading clump.
When does Pigsqueak bloom?
Pigsqueak flowers emerge in the mid-spring, typically blooming from April into May, displaying showy clusters of magenta-red blossoms.
What sun exposure does Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW need?
This perennial performs best when situated in part shade to full shade locations, thriving in areas that receive protection from the harshest afternoon sun.
Conclusion
Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW stands out as a gardener’s asset, delivering year-round color contrast, dependable ground coverage, and flowers in early spring, all while requiring minimal upkeep. If you seek reliable texture and winter fortitude for shaded corners, this tough Pigsqueak is an excellent selection. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone is compatible (4-8) and prepare a well-drained site to ensure decades of vibrant, low-maintenance performance.
Companion Planting
When siting Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW, consider companions that share its preference for part shade and medium moisture. Hostas provide vast textural contrast with their broad, often variegated leaves, making an excellent adjacent pairing in woodland gardens. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns or Athyrium, blend seamlessly with the clump structure of Pigsqueak, reinforcing the lush, shaded aesthetic.
For early spring companions that bloom slightly before or concurrently with the magenta-red flowers, consider Scilla (Siberian Squill) or early blooming dwarf Daffodils, whose fleeting yellow blooms create a beautiful contrast against the dark, emerging foliage of the Bergenia. Remember, since Bergenia spreads slowly by rhizomes, allow adequate space for it to establish its ground cover role without overwhelming less vigorous neighbors immediately.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For optimal health, incorporate a few key tasks throughout the year. In late winter, just as the weather begins to soften, prune out any foliage from the previous season that looks damaged, dead, or unsightly to allow fresh leaves and flower stalks room to emerge; this step is vital for Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW. Once the magenta-red flowers have completely finished in late spring, promptly deadhead the spent flower stalks to redirect the plant’s energy into foliage production.
Summer care largely involves monitoring moisture levels; while established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent medium water during dry spells ensures the foliage remains glossy and robust. In autumn, the foliage of Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglut’ WINTER GLOW will begin to develop its characteristic reddish-bronze winter coloring, signaling readiness for dormancy. No specific winter protection is needed in mid-range zones, but a light mulch application can benefit very new plantings in colder areas.
