The Pink-Flowering Ground Cover That'll Fill Your Yard With Color And Butterflies

There is nothing as peaceful as relaxing in a garden full of color and wildlife. Adding plants that attract breathtaking butterflies to your yard and garden will allow you to bask in the wonders of nature from the comfort of your own home. One beautiful flower that does just that is pigsqueak (Bergenia crassifolia). 

With blooms as cute as its name, pigsqueak is a great ground cover option if you are looking to bring bright hues and pollinators into your garden. Its large, glossy leaves add texture, and its clusters of pink, red, and white blooms pop up like fireworks in April and May. In warmer climates, the flowers can arrive as early as December. As a clumping plant, you may overlook pigsqueak when picking out a ground cover. However, the clumps easily spread to 3 feet, with their beautiful leaves reaching out to create fantastic cover. Pigsqueak's nectar and pollen also make it a great flower for attracting pollinators, including butterflies.

Pigsqueak is an evergreen perennial hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. However, it can get damaged in the winter months when growing in a colder climate. It can do well in either full sun or full shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Once it has established itself, it can be drought-tolerant, although it is not uncommon to see its leaves drying out if the soil has been without water for a while. 

This beautiful flowering ground cover can be grown from seed or divided plants. Prepare the soil beforehand by clearing out any weeds and adding a layer of organic matter. You may also find it helpful to check the health of your soil and make any necessary changes for optimal planting. If you are opting to grow pigsqueak from seed, surface sow the seeds outside once the threat of frost has passed. Space the seeds 16 inches apart and press them into the soil. To transplant young pigsqueak plants, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Space the plants in a staggered pattern 2 feet apart to allow them to spread into a full ground cover. Apply mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist. 

Ensure that the pigsqueak plants are getting enough water for the first year to allow them to settle in and remove any weeds that crop up in the area. Once they have established themselves, keep the soil moist but not wet during the growing season only. You don't need to fertilize them. They will need some attention in the springtime, though. Remove any winter-damaged foliage and stems to help them grow fresh leaves and flowers.