Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut' Winter Glow) is a robust, clump-forming perennial ground cover native to temperate Asia, prized for its dramatic seasonal foliage transformation and early spring flowers. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, it grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, forming dense rosettes of large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that shift from glossy dark green to striking purplish-bronze as temperatures drop. Small dark pink flowers bloom in April and May on sturdy stalks rising above the foliage, creating a showy display that works beautifully in shade gardens where few other plants thrive.
Partial Shade
Moderate
4-8
18in H x 18in W
—
Low
Hover over chart points for details
The leaves are the real showstopper here; at up to 10 inches long, they're glossy and deeply toothed, forming thick clumps that gradually spread via slow-creeping rhizomes. Come autumn and winter, the entire plant transforms into shades of purplish-bronze, a color shift that adds unexpected drama to shaded borders when little else is doing much. Deer and rabbits leave it untouched, and once established, it laughs at drought and heavy shade alike, making it one of the toughest ground covers you can plant.
Pigsqueak excels as a ground cover in shaded areas where conventional lawn grasses struggle, slowly carpeting the soil with its bold foliage. Its spreading habit and tolerance for heavy shade make it ideal for naturalizing beneath trees or along woodland edges. The showy cut flowers and attractive seed heads also work well in late winter and early spring arrangements.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant container-grown pigsqueak in spring or fall into organically rich, well-drained soil amended with humus. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to accommodate gradual rhizomatous spread. Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist through the first growing season.
Pigsqueak is easily grown from seed. Sow seeds in appropriate medium and provide conditions to encourage germination; no specific temperature or timing data is provided in the source materials.
In late winter to early spring, remove all winter-damaged foliage to reveal fresh growth beneath. Spent flowering stems should be promptly removed after blooming to maintain a neat appearance and redirect energy into foliage development.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.