Hepatica nobilis

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liverleaf

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Other common names

crystal wort, ivy flower, liver balsam, liver moss, common hepatica, commone liverleaf, golden trefoil, herb Trinity, kidney wort, mayflower, noble liverwort, squirrel cups

Synonyms

Anemone hepatica L.
Hepatica triloba

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Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial
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A slow-growing herbaceous perennial to 10cm, with kidney-shaped, three-lobed leaves, often with silvery marbling above, and solitary violet or purple flowers with conspicuous white stamens appearing in early spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in humus-rich soils and thrives in heavier soils. Top dress annually in autumn with leaf mould. Resent root disturbance

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free