Bear's breeches
Primula pulverulenta
Pig squeak – and I didn't make that up – is the rather old-fashioned
common name for Bergenia, another easy-to-grow, large-leaf perennial
(zone 4). Spring flowers of pink, red or white nestle among its leaves. Add
Bergenia to containers for textural contrast; some cultivars have bronze
foliage in winter, which is particularly eye-catching in the season's soft
light. And if you rub the leaves, guess what? They squeak!
Bear's breeches (Acanthus, zone 7) also shows off large, glossy leaves,
along with vertical flower spikes that add height to the shade garden,
an element sometimes difficult to incorporate. In mild winters, bear's
breeches is evergreen, adding winter foliage.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' has silver, heart-shaped leaves with
Pig squeak
Deer fern
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