Leather Bergenia Bergenia crassifolia
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Bergenia cordifolia
- Phonetic Spelling
- behr-GEEN-ee-ah krass-ih-FOH-lee-uh
- Description
-
Bergenia has large, glossy evergreen leaves produced in spreading clumps, and makes a lovely ground cover in shady areas. Although it is considered drought-tolerant, the leaves will dry out if the soil is allowed to remain dry for an extended period. Considered to be evergreen in more temperate areas of the country but will sustain winter damage in northern areas.
Typically blooms from March to May, however, when grown in the southernmost areas, it can bloom as early as December.
The common name pigsqueek comes into play when rubbing a leaf between your fingers and producing a sound much like the animals' squeal.
It can be found growing on shady, north-facing rocks, slopes, and in forest streams. Growing best in soil with high organic matter, it will also flourish in a variety of soils, even clay.
The roots, leaves, and stems contain tannin in different percentages. Tannin is used in the production of leather and ink.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Purpurea'
- 'Rotblum'
- 'Purpurea'
- 'Purpurea', 'Rotblum'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Purpurea'
- 'Rotblum'
- 'Purpurea'
- 'Purpurea', 'Rotblum'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Bergenia
- Species:
- crassifolia
- Family:
- Saxifragaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Siberia to North Korea
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3b, 3a, 4b, 4a, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Shape:
- Obovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Large, 8" x 7" glossy evergreen leaves produced in spreading clumps.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Leafless stems up to 18" tall are topped with panicles of blooms in the spring.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
