Red Bloom Bergenia
Red Bloom Bergenia
Rose-Red Spring Flowers Over Bold Evergreen Leaves
Red Bloom Bergenia (Bergenia 'Red Bloom') tops the tough, leathery-leaved perennial known as pigsqueak with clusters of rich rose-red flowers in spring. Its bold, glossy rounded leaves stay evergreen and flush deep burgundy in winter, giving four-season structure. Adaptable from sun to shade, deer-resistant, and reliably hardy, it's a dependable choice for borders and edges in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Red Bloom Bergenia Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Bergenia 'Red Bloom' |
| Mature Size | 12–16 in. tall, 14–18 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun to full shade (very adaptable) |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | Rose-red |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates clay; prefers moist, rich soil |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F; evergreen foliage turns burgundy in winter |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Bold, glossy, leathery; evergreen with winter color |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Four-season edging: Its bold evergreen leaves give year-round structure and burgundy winter color, with rose-red spring flowers. Space 14–18 inches apart.
Versatile sun-to-shade beds: Happy in both. Pair with hostas, heuchera, and spring bulbs.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September). Adaptable to most soils; keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Red Bloom Bergenia
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 14–18 inches apart.
Watering Red Bloom Bergenia
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture but tolerates short dry spells; water during droughts.
Q: Why is it called pigsqueak?
Rubbing a leaf between your fingers makes a squeaking sound — a fun trait of bergenia.
Q: Does it stay evergreen in Minnesota?
The leathery leaves persist through winter, often turning rich burgundy — valuable winter interest, greening up again in spring.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3.
Q: Sun or shade?
Both — bergenia is unusually adaptable, thriving from full sun to full shade with adequate moisture.
You May Also Like
Sakura Bergenia (Bergenia): A double cherry-blossom-pink pigsqueak.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Colorful foliage to pair at the border front.
How Many Red Bloom Bergenia Do I Need?
At 14–18 inches wide, space bergenia about 16 inches apart so the bold rounded leaves knit into a solid evergreen edge.
| Bed Run | Plants Needed (at 16 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 |
| 10 ft | 8 |
| 15 ft | 11 |
| 20 ft | 15 |
For a fuller, faster edge or a low groundcover sweep, plant in groups of 3–5 and let the clumps grow together.
Red Bloom Bergenia Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Clusters of rich rose-red flowers rise on short stems above the glossy leaves.
- Summer: Bold, leathery evergreen foliage forms a weed-smothering, ground-covering mound.
- Fall: Leaves begin to flush toward burgundy as temperatures drop.
- Winter: Foliage persists and deepens to rich burgundy, holding real structure when the bed is otherwise bare.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Evergreen ✔ Four-Season Interest ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Sakura Bergenia — a double cherry-blossom-pink pigsqueak to extend the bergenia display.
- Obsidian Coral Bells — near-black foliage that sets off the glossy green leaves.
- Jack Frost Brunnera — silvery heart-shaped leaves for a cool foliage contrast.
- Japanese Painted Fern — airy silver fronds to soften the bold bergenia texture.
Is Red Bloom Bergenia Right for Your Yard?
Few perennials are this adaptable — it thrives in everything from full sun to full shade, tolerates clay, and shrugs off deer, making it a dependable evergreen edger almost anywhere with adequate moisture. Not a fit if the site is hot, sandy, and bone-dry in full sun, where the broad leaves can scorch.