Pigsqueak (Bergenia 'Herbstblute' AUTUMN GLORY)
Bergenia 'Herbstblute' AUTUMN GLORY (Pigsqueak) offers tough, shiny foliage and light pink spring blooms. Low maintenance ground cover for shade.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY, commonly known as Pigsqueak, is celebrated for providing structure and color across multiple seasons in shaded garden spaces. This robust herbaceous perennial forms dense clumps of large, leathery, evergreen leaves that often bronze to a deep maroon-purple hue as temperatures drop. Its main appeal, beyond the attractive foliage interest provided by Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY, lies in its very early spring display of light pink flowers held aloft on sturdy stems. Ideal for gardeners seeking beautiful ground cover that minimizes effort, this cultivar represents the tough, ornamental appeal of the Bergenia genus.
This hybrid is prized for its low maintenance requirements, thriving where many other shade plants might struggle. It spreads slowly via rhizomes, creating a dense mat perfect for suppressing weeds and handling erosion concerns. When considering shade tolerance, note that while Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY will tolerate heavy shade, the best foliage contrast and color development are often seen with dappled sunlight.
These plants offer excellent year-round visual appeal in temperate climates. The name Pigsqueak derives from the noise the leaves make when rubbed together, adding a unique sensory element to the garden. Incorporate Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY into your landscape for reliable texture and early seasonal interest.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Saxifragaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Light pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY during the cooler months, either in early spring or early fall, to allow the rhizomes to establish before summer heat or deep winter freezes set in. These adaptable plants require organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. While they perform best with consistent moisture, established plants tolerate brief drought periods; however, allowing the soil to completely dry out should be avoided.
For optimal leaf color and reliable flowering in hot summer regions, place the plants where they receive afternoon shade. In cooler climates, Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY can handle full sun without scorching. As a slow spreader, it requires minimal intervention, though you should ensure the soil is never waterlogged.
After the main spring bloom sequence finishes, promptly remove the spent flowering stems to tidy the appearance. In colder zones (5-7), the foliage may become battered or semi-deciduous; applying a winter mulch can help protect the roots where snow cover is unreliable. In Zone 7 and south, the evergreen foliage typically remains intact throughout winter, but be aware that early spring frosts can damage new flower buds.
Landscape Uses
Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY excels as a bold, structural accent in shady gardens where its large, glossy leaves dominate the middle layer of planting. Its use as an excellent ground cover makes it perfect for mass plantings beneath taller shrubs or trees where light is limited. The dense coverage provided by Pigsqueak also aids in managing erosion on slopes or banks, fulfilling its recommended use for naturalizing.
Use this plant for crisp, formal edging along pathways or borders, providing strong dark green (or winter purple) architectural definition even when not in bloom. Because of its outstanding foliage, which lends excellent texture to arrangements, consider planting several in containers for use near patios, especially in milder climates. When designing, pair it with ferns, hostas, or spring bulbs whose fine textures contrast nicely with the broad leaves of the Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY clump.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Bergenia is a genus containing eight or more perennial rhizomatous herbs from temperate Asia that are somewhat popular ornamental plants, many of which are grown in gardens for their early spring flowers on scapes rising above the foliage, tough shiny evergreen leaves and spreading ground cover effect. They generally grow from 9-18” tall and feature leathery leaves in open rosettes. Flowers bloom in spring on scapose cymes in colors ranging from white to pink to reddish purple. The most commonly sold berginias in commerce today are hybrids. Unfortunately many of the hybrids are so similar in characteristics that in some cases they are rather difficult to distinguish from each other.Genus name honors German physician and botanist Karl August von Bergen (1704-1759).Pig squeak is a less serious common name which is applied to all Bergenia genus members in reference to the squeaking noise made when the foliage is rubbed between one’s fingers.‘Herbstblute’ is a hybrid Bergenia developed in Germany by Anne Eskuche. It is sometimes listed in commerce as a cultivar of Bergenia cordifolia. Leaves form a clump of foliage that rises to 12” tall, but spreads over time to 24” or more. Light pink flowers bloom in April in panicles (within or above the foliage) atop stout stalks rising to as much as 16”. Plants may rebloom in fall. Foliage turns maroon-purple in fall as the temperatures drop, and the foliage retains that purple color throughout winter. ‘Herbstblute’ means autumn glory or fall glow in reference to the purple fall foliage and fall flower rebloom.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Erosion
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
The most frequently cited issue affecting Pigsqueak is fungal leaf spot, often exacerbated by poor air circulation or overly wet conditions. This can be managed by ensuring good drainage during planting and prompt removal of any infected leaves. Another concern involves common garden pests such as slugs and snails, which may attack tender new growth, especially when conditions are damp.
Greenhouse thrips, aphids, mealy bugs, and weevils can occasionally appear, usually when the plant is stressed or overcrowded. In most cases, a strong jet of water or the application of insecticidal soap will manage minor infestations effectively. Due to the plant’s general hardiness and pest resistance, Deer and rabbits rarely find Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pigsqueak suitable for?
Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.75 ft and 1.5 ft and spreads to an equal width of 1 to 2 ft over time.
What sun exposure does Pigsqueak need?
This plant prefers part shade to full shade. While it can tolerate full sun in very cool summer climates, protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter areas ensures the best appearance.
When does Pigsqueak bloom?
The primary bloom time for Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY is from April to May, featuring attractive light pink flowers.
Conclusion
Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY is an invaluable, low-maintenance solution for filling in shady spots, offering both striking foliage color change and early spring flowering. Whether you utilize this tough ground cover to halt erosion or simply enjoy the unique charm of Pigsqueak, its reliability is unmatched. Before planting, confirm that your garden falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and plan for consistent moisture during the first growing season.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable neighbors can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your shaded areas around Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY. Since Pigsqueak thrives in medium moisture and part shade, companion plants that share these requirements work best. Consider pairing the broad, leathery leaves of Bergenia with finer textured plants like Heuchera (Coral Bells) for color contrast, or shade-loving woodland natives such as Brunnera macrophylla or various Hosta cultivars.
When grouping plants, remember the slow spreading nature of Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY. Give it adequate room, or use it as a living mulch around semi-evergreen shrubs like Rhododendrons or Azaleas, where its hardiness complements the structure of these larger woody plants. This combination creates layered interest that begins early in spring.
Propagation Tips
The easiest way to propagate Bergenia ‘Herbstblute’ AUTUMN GLORY is through division of its rhizomatous clumps. This should ideally be done in early spring just before new growth begins, or in the early fall. Carefully dig up a mature clump and gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each division has sufficient roots and at least one healthy crown of foliage.
After dividing, immediately replant the new sections at the same soil depth as the parent plant. Water them in well to settle the soil and maintain consistent moisture over the next few weeks while the new Pigsqueak divisions become established. This method maintains the characteristics of the ‘Herbstblute’ hybrid reliably.
