About
Hepatica nobilis, the liverleaf, is a slow-growing herbaceous perennial to 10 cm with kidney-shaped, three-lobed, leathery leaves and solitary, violet or purple, anemone-like flowers with conspicuous white stamens appearing in early spring � one of the first flowers of the year. A beautiful and choice woodland perennial for a shaded border.
About the genus
Hepatica are small, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennials with three- to five-lobed leaves and anemone-like, blue, violet, pink or white flowers in early spring. Choice woodland plants valued for their early-season colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope, Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in humus-rich soils and thrives in heavier soils. Top dress annually in autumn with leaf mould. Resent root disturbance
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in an open frame, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring. Transplants and divisions are slow to establish
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free