About

A dome-shaped, slow-growing perennial, to about 15cm, with rounded, three-lobed leaves and cup-shaped, semi-double, rich blue flowers, to 3cm across, in early spring.

About the genus

Hepatica are small, clump-forming perennials with 3 to 5-lobed, semi-evergreen leaves and anemone-like, blue, violet, pink or white flowers in early spring

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in humus-rich soils and thrives in heavier soils. Top dress annually in autumn with leaf mould. Resents 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