Hepatica nobilis           Family: Ranunculaceae
(hi-PAT-ih-kuh  no-BILL-iss)

Common name: liverwort; liverleaf
Zone: 4 – 8
Height: 4-6 in (10-15cm)   Spread: 6-12 in (15-30cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade; full shade
Soil: moderate; well-draining
Water: regular     
Description: An evergreen, clump-forming perennial with kidney-shaped, 3-lobed leaves that are glossy green on top and a purple hue underneath. Showy violet-blue flowers with 6 – 7 sepals and conspicuous white stamens appear in March through April.

 

Special Notes: Native to Asia, central and northern Europe and eastern North America. Once established, this plant forms a lovely clump of green leaves which look great as an understory plant or as a wonderful specimen in your landscape design, holding interest for the viewer as surrounding perennials shine and fade through the season.

Recommend cutting back old leaves in late winter in order to enjoy the early spring flowers and give exposure to newly emerging, fresh leaves.

Propagate by fresh seed sown in place in spring. Needs stratification in order to germinate. Dig up and divide larger clumps after flowering or in autumn.

Reliably disease- and pest-resistant, as well as deer and rabbit resistant.

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit 1993

 

In our Zone 7a garden: This plant is a favourite in our landscape design for its year-round interest and bright floral display that appears early in spring when it is sorely needed. Very easy care needing only to be cut back in late winter and divided every 8 – 10 years to keep it happy amongst its neighbouring plants. There have been absolutely no disease or pest problems with hepaticas and the odd rabbit who gets into the garden leaves this plant alone.

 

Posted on July 31, 2021