Last year, when I attended the Fling at Puget Sound, I received a plant that was new to me from Little Prince Plants (thank you Little Prince for donating many plants to the Fling attendees). I dutifully packed it in my suitcase and planted it in my Virginia garden as soon as I got home. I am happy to announce it survived both the trip and this past winter. Although it is hardy to Zone 5, you just never know. Now in April the foliage is emerging, promising great things to come.
Developed by Terra Nova Nurseries, Mukgenia NOVA® ‘Flame’ is an intergeneric cross between two genera in the Saxifrage family: Mukdenia and Bergenia. The name “mukgenia” comes from “muk” from Mukdenia and “genia” from Bergenia.
Bergenia is an herbaceous perennial that you may know as pigsqueak. It thrives in shady conditions, in moist soil high organic matter. These plants are known for their large glossy leaves; spring-blooming, pink flowers; and dramatic red/bronze fall color. Rubbing the leaves together produces the sound of a pig squealing.
Mukdenia ‘Crimson Fans’ also is an herbaceous perennial known for large, ragged leaves that look like half the leaves were dipped in red paint. It too blooms white flowers in the spring but not as pretty as Bergenia. However, its fall color is gorgeous – a solid mahogany red plant.
Mukgenia NOVA ‘Flame’ combines the pink flowers of Bergenia with the interesting foliage of Mukdenia ‘Crimson Fans.’ The foliage is ragged, as if the edges were torn by hand. Many leaves have dark red edges. Hardy to zone 4, this clumping plant grows to about 8 inches tall, blooms in the spring and then exhibits great red fall color. Although the foliage is thicker than Mukdenia, this is not a drought resistant plant. It likes shade, and moist but well drained soil high in organic matter.
I am looking forward to this new addition to the garden but does anyone know if it still squeals like a pig?