Liverwort or Liverleaf
They are small, grow well in the shade and have tiny flowers, Hepatica are however a wonderful genus of spring flowering plants with a number of great garden varieties.
Hepatica are better known as liverwort and are a clump forming perennial with attractive flowers in early spring. The common names of Liverwort and Liverleaf come from the shape of the leaves.
Flowers range from white through to pinks and blues and in the case of Hepatica nobilus a deep purple. These are really an open woodland plant, and in Australian conditions grow well in filtered light or part shade.
Flowers appear on wiry stems above the foliage which is a deep green. Most species will reach around 30cm (12inches) in height.
Hepatica are reasonably drought tolerant in good growing conditions. Around 8 species are in the genus and they are found naturally in Northern Europe as well as Asia and North America.
How To Grow Hepatica – Basic Care
These are a plant that like humus rich moist but well drained soil, excellent beneath a deciduous tree where the natural leaf mould provides a compost.
Deciduous trees will also provide summer shade which creates the best growing conditions for these woodland plants.
Plant them on a gentle slope to ensure that drainage is good.
This is a cold tolerant plant however frosts are not readily tolerated. A soil pH on the Alkaline side is best.
Excellent for planting amongst the Trilliums, Anemones, Dicentra and other non matt forming woodland plants.
Summary Growing Conditions for Hepatica
- Position – Part shade to full shade. Flowers do need good light to open fully.
- Soil – Humus rich moist and well drained. Tolerates clay soils.
- Flowers – Pink, white and purple to blue depending on variety. Flowers are mildly fragrant.
- Foliage – Green and rounded.
- Mulch aroubd the plants each spring to help maintain a cool moist root run.
Propagation
Division of established clumps in spring, immediatly after flowering is the easiest method of propagation.
Seed can also be collected and sown immediately. It will not germinate until the following spring so be patient. You can sow directly into the garden however using a cold frame is recommended foe best germination rates.
Hepatica are available for sale from the following nurseries
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com