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Hepatica nobilis (Liverleaf)

Liverleaf, Crystal Wort, Ivy Flower, Liver Balsam, Liver Moss, Anemone hepatica, Hepatica triloba

AGM Award
Hepatica nobilis, Liverleaf, Crystal Wort, Ivy Flower, Liver Balsam, Liver Moss, Blue Flowers, Winter Flowers, Early Spring Flowers
Hepatica nobilis, Liverleaf, Crystal Wort, Ivy Flower, Liver Balsam, Liver Moss, Blue Flowers, Winter Flowers, Early Spring Flowers

Noted for its considerable charm, Hepatica nobilis (Liverleaf) is a slow-growing semi-evergreen perennial producing a profusion of violet-blue or purple flowers with conspicuous white stamens in early spring. Almost stemless, the weather-resistant flowers open their fullest on sunny days and stay open for a few weeks. The leaves are kidney-shaped, three-lobed, often with silvery marbling above. One plant can sprout up to seven stems. This wildflower is the most widely distributed species and a popular garden plant, bursting with color when it is most needed, a jewel in the stark landscape.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and 4-5 in. wide (10-12 cm). Hepatica nobilis self-seeds in gravel and in soil. These seedlings can also be potted up when young.
  • Easily grown in humus-rich, moist, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils in part shade. Top dress annually in autumn with leaf mold. Resent root disturbance.
  • Undemanding, this Hepatica is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, under shrubs and roses, as an edging plant, in city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, or in containers. For best visual impact, plant en masse.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
  • Propagate by seed sown in an open frame, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring. Transplants and divisions are slow to establish.
  • Native to Europe, Asia, and Japan.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 4 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Hepatica
Common names Ivy Flower
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm)
Spread 4" - 5" (10cm - 13cm)
Spacing 5" (13cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hepatica nobilis var. acuta (Sharp-Lobed Hepatica)
Hepatica acutiloba (Sharp-Lobed Liverleaf)
Hepatica americana (Roundleaf Liverleaf)

Recommended Companion Plants

Crocus vernus ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ (Dutch Crocus)
Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’ (Cyclamineus Daffodil)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Trillium

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

50 Blue Wildflowers for Every Garden
20 Spring Wildflowers to Create a Dazzling Garden
50 Native Wildflowers for North Carolina
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 4 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Hepatica
Common names Ivy Flower
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm)
Spread 4" - 5" (10cm - 13cm)
Spacing 5" (13cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Hepatica (Liverleaf) to pick?
Compare Now

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