Bergenias are a low-growing, hardy perennial which will grow happily in a shady spot, such as under trees in the garden. Once established, they will tolerate dry times. Give them some love and they will look much better and reward you with more flowers. The flowers mostly come in shades of Pink, but they are also available in white, mauve and red. The shiny leathery leaves are also attractive, and the plants Common name, "pigsqueak" comes from the fact that if you rub together the wet leaves, they squeak. These plants are apparently deer and rabbit resistant, and are virtually pest free.
Bergenias are common in Sydney gardens, usually used in rockeries or as a border plant. They are considered more of an old fashoined plant, so may be hard to find in Nurseries, but they are easily propagated. Take cuttings from the thick stems in warmer months, or just divide the clumps. They will grow in a wide array of climates from cooler to warmer. I took these photos locally close to Sydney Harbour.
