Overview
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Hepatica, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and rock garden.
About
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Hepatica genus, known for its compact growth and semi-evergreen, lobed foliage. This cultivar produces distinctive flowers in early spring, adding seasonal interest to rockeries and informal gardens. It thrives in partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand, favouring alkaline to neutral pH. Suitable for a range of garden settings including city courtyards and patios, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and prefers moist but well-drained conditions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hepatica
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in an open frame, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring. Transplants and divisions are slow to establish
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red'?
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' need?
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' hardy in the UK?
Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Hepatica nobilis 'Sylvia's Red'?
Propagate by seed sown in an open frame, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring. Transplants and divisions are slow to establish.
More in the Hepatica genus
- Hepatica americanaAmerican liverwort

- Hepatica insularis

- Hepatica maximagiant liverleaf

- Hepatica nobilis 'Arindy'
- Hepatica nobilis 'Landquart Marble'
- Hepatica nobilis 'Lilac Picotee'
- Hepatica nobilis 'Lotus'
- Hepatica nobilis 'Picos Purple'liverleaf 'Picos Purple'