Bergenia are evergreen perennials in the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), native to parts of China, the Himalayas and central Asia.
They have long been popular garden plants due to the exceptional beauty of both their flowers and leaves.
There are ten somewhat similar species, with Bergenia crassifolia, B. ciliata, and B. purpurascens being those most often grown horticulturally. Furthermore, many of the most popular cultivars are hybrids of two or more species.
Though most often referred to as Bergenia, there are other common names for these plants, such as Elephant-eared Saxifrage and Pig-squeak. The amusing explanation for the latter name is that supposedly the sound of a squealing pig can be generated by rubbing the smooth leaves between one's fingers.
. I emailed this to a friend who can't think of its name and asked another "learned" gardener friend and its name escapes her as well. I'm "sureish" it has pink flowers.
