Hepatica Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Hepatica plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Hepatica carries delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, emerging even through snow. Their early blooms provide an essential nectar source for pollinators early in the year.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants prefer a location with partial to full shade, and thrive in a well-draining, humus-rich soil.
- General Care: Keep the soil consistently moist, being sure to avoid waterlogging. Mulching can help to both retain soil moisture and to suppress weeds.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Liverleaf is relatively low-maintenance. However, it's essential to protect them from harsh sun, and ensure that they're not smothered by more aggressive plants.
Liverleaf, and Liverwort: Cultivation & Garden Use
Hepatica are small hardy perennials that reach heights of between 5 and 20 cm (2 to 8 inches); this makes them ideal for use in rock gardens.
Common names for Hepatica plants include Liverwort, Kidneywort, and Liverleaf. They get these common names because of the shape and color of their three-lobed leaves, which resemble the human liver.
Hepatica nobilis Liverwort flower by Niko Herlin.
They bloom with Anemone like flowers of white, blue, purple, or pink towards the end of winter and in spring.
These flowers are known to attract many important pollinating insects to the garden, such as bees and butterflies.
The stems of these small perennials tend to be hairy, while the leaves have a somewhat leathery appearance.
How to Grow Hepatica Plants in the Garden
If growing Liverwort plants outdoors from the off then fresh seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch (6 mm)as soon as seed is available (usually in May to June).
The Hepatica flower should be grown in a shady part of the garden that has good drainage, and a moist humus rich soil.
If starting off Liverwort and other Hepatica species indoors as seedlings then the growing process should be started about four months before transplanting outdoors, in the autumn.
The seeds should first be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag, then placing in the fridge for three weeks.
Seeds should then be sown out into peat pots at a temperature of 50 to 54°F (10 to 12°C). It can take anything from one month to one year for them to germinate. The seedlings should be transplanted at about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm apart. Locate in a rock garden, border, woodland garden, or alpine garden located on a suitable shaded part of the garden). They can also be grown in containers so long as their natural settings are recreated.
Caring for Liverwort Plants
If you require more Liverwort plants then they can be propagated by dividing the plant in the spring, or by letting them set and drop seed.
Hepatica plants are fairly easy to maintain once growing: they should be regular watered in dry periods, be supplied a light feed, and mulched with leaves in the autumn.
Identification of the Main Hepatica Species
Hepatica nobilis Syn. Anemone hepatica: Liverwort, Common hepatica, Kidneywort, Pennywort
Hepatica nobilis, Liverwort photograph by Priit Tammets; CC.
Hepatica americana: Round-lobed hepatica
Hepatica americana, Round-lobed hepatica photograph by Superior National Forest; CC.
Hepatica acutiloba: Sharp-lobed hepatica
Hepatica acutiloba, Sharp-lobed hepatica image by Jason Hollinger; CC.
Hepatica transsilvanica: Large blue hepatica
Hepatica transsilvanica, Large blue hepatica photograph by Magnus Hagdorn; CC.
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Hepatica Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Liverleaf, Liverwort.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 2 to 10 inches (5 to 20 cm).
Native: Asia. Northern Europe. North America.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 8.
Flowers: Late winter through to spring.
Flower Details: White, purple, blue, pink. Anemone-like. Single.
Foliage: Evergreen. Lobed. Leathery.
Sow Outside: 1/4 inch (6 mm). Late spring or early summer using fresh seed. Spacing 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one month to one year. Temperature: 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Then sow the seeds about three months in advance of transplanting them outdoors in the autumn.
Requirements and care: Full or partial shade, protect from harsh afternoon sun. Good drainage. Humus, moist soil. Water during prolonged hot dry spells. Autumn leaf mulch. Propagate: Self seeds readily or by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the autumn in warmer areas.
Miscellaneous: Attractive to butterflies and bees.
Common Questions
How many members does the Hepatica genus have?
The Hepatica genus includes from 6-10 species, known for their charming early-spring flowers.
Do members of Hepatica make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Absolutely, Hepatica are perfect for rock gardens, woodland gardens, and shaded borders due to their small stature and early spring blooms.
Which Hepatica species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Hepatica nobilis, commonly known as Liverleaf, is often grown for its lovely blue, purple, or white flowers.
Are members of the Hepatica plant genus fragrant?
Hepatica species aren't noted for their fragrance, but for their attractive flowers and foliage.
What is the perfect location to grow Hepatica?
Hepatica plants do well in part to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.
Is Hepatica invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Hepatica is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Hepatica plants from my garden?
To remove Hepatica, dig up the plants carefully, ensuring you remove all roots to prevent re-growth.
Summary
The Hepatica genus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, comprises small perennial herbs native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants are appreciated for their early spring blooms. Commonly grown species include Hepatica nobilis and Hepatica americana.
Hepatica grows best in shaded to partially shaded locations with well-drained, humus-rich soil. The plants require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Propagation is typically through seed or division, usually done in the fall.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hepatica plants. Other members of the Ranunculaceae family covered by Gardener's HQ include Windflowers, Buttercups, and Consolida Plants.
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