PL. —Bergenia cordifoliaBotanical illustration — drop image
Bergenia cordifolia

Heartleaf Bergenia

WinterSpringSummerFall
4a8bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

'Baby Doll' is a compact selection of heartleaf bergenia, a leathery, large-leaved evergreen perennial grown for a basal clump of rounded, bronze-tinted foliage topped in mid to late spring by soft pink flowers that deepen in color as they age. At roughly a foot tall, it's a smaller-scale option than the straight species for edging a shaded border.

Leaves color best and flowers bloom more heavily with more sun, while foliage tends to look glossier and less stressed in shade — a middle-ground spot with morning sun and afternoon shade usually gives the best of both. It prefers to stay on the dry side rather than wet, and the leaves are famous for squeaking when rubbed between fingers, the source of the common name pigsqueak.

Care guide
SunPart shade to full sun
WaterModerate
SoilRich, moist, well-drained
Spacing10–12 in
Height10–12 in
Zone4a – 8b
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchEnjoy soft pink flowers deepening in color as they age.
cutRemove spent flower stems at the base once flowers finish.
cutCut away winter-damaged or tatty outer leaves before new growth pushes through.
summer
watchCheck for fungal leaf spots during prolonged humid periods; remove affected leaves promptly.
Common problems

Fungal leaf spot

Symptoms

Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.

Treatment

Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.