Why Is This Spring-Blooming Plant Called Pigsqueak?

Pigsqueak Plant: What’s with the Name?

Via Proven Winners

At first, this plant’s name is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser (just like these interesting bird names and nicknames). Why would a flower—with no mouth to facilitate squeaking—be called a Miss Piggy “pigsqueak?” Surprisingly, it comes down to the leaves. When the leaf of a pigsqueak plant is rubbed between one’s thumb and finger, it produces a high-pitched squeaking sound that closely resembles the noise a pig makes.

These fantastic foliage plants will add pizazz to your yard.

How to Grow Miss Piggy Pigsqueak

Via Proven Winners

Common Name: Miss Piggy pigsqueak
Scientific Name: Bergenia cordifolia ‘Miss Piggy’
Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 18 inches tall and 32 inches wide
Soil: Well-draining, moisture-retentive soil
Light Needs: Part to full shade
Attracts: Butterflies and bees

Miss Piggy is new from Proven Winners and is ideal for shady spaces. Bright pink blooms adorn the low-growing plant in spring; they might appear as early as April. Bees and butterflies will love it!

Try these early blooming spring flowers for your garden.

Even after the blooms are spent for the season, the bold, dark green leaves make it an excellent choice for garden borders. In winter, this pigsqueak plant boasts purple-bronze foliage. Grow it in rich, moist, well-draining soil for the best results.

Try growing it in a container or as a border plant or ground cover, but remember to snip a few blooms for a DIY bouquet—pigsqueak makes for an excellent cut flower to add to an arrangement. And if you’ve been searching for a option to thwart your furry backyard critters, look no further. Miss Piggy is also known to resist deer and rabbits.

Next, discover more of the best shade garden plants for your shady areas.