Pigsqueak, Peppermint Patty

Peppermint Patty Pigsqueak—named for the squeaky sound the leaves make when rubbed together—is a charming Bergenia with bold, evergreen foliage that transitions from deep green to rich red as temperatures drop in fall and winter. Clusters of bright pink flowers rise above the large, leathery leaves in early spring, often appearing when little else is blooming, drawing the season’s first butterflies. The substantial, paddle-shaped leaves provide year-round structural interest in shaded and partly shaded gardens. Deer and rabbit resistant, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance ground cover and border plant that tolerates Juglone from black walnut trees. Its seasonal color journey—from lush green to ruby-red—earns its place in the four-season garden.