Berginia cordifolia

Berginia cordifolia

Berginia is an underutilized shade loving perennial that offers unique foliage that is coarse in texture.  The evergreen, cabbage-like leaves are glossy with a leathery feel.  It gets its common name, “Pig Squeak”, from the sound the leaf makes when rubbed between two fingers.  Magenta colored blooms appear in early spring and continue for a couple of months.   The real draw to this plant is the folliage which looks great planted near a water feature or around rock out croppings where it can soften the edges.  It makes a great ground cover and works well in containers also.  

Common Name: Pigsqueak

Zone: 4-8

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial

Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade

Height: 1-1.5'

Spread: 1-1.5'

Bloom Time: Spring

Bloom Color: Magenta Purplish-Pink

Water Needs: Average to dry

Maintenance: Low

Site Conditions:

Attracts:

Companion Plants: Ferns, Hosta

Tolerance: Deer, rabbits, shade, dry soil