What hardiness zones is Hepatica nobilis suitable for?

Hepatica nobilis is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Hepatica nobilis?

Hepatica nobilis requires Part Shade.

How much water does Hepatica nobilis need?

Hepatica nobilis has Medium water needs.

Perennials

Hepatica nobilis

Liverleaf

Ranunculaceae

Europe — Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east to the Urals; deciduous woodlands, especially calcareous soils

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At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

Width6-9 inches (15-23 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Hepatica nobilis (syn. Anemone hepatica) is a low, clump-forming semi-evergreen perennial reaching 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall with a spread of 6–9 inches (15–23 cm). Flowers appear from February through April, typically before the new leaves emerge, measuring 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) across with 6–10 petal-like sepals in blue, purple, pink, or white surrounding a central boss of white stamens; there are no true petals. Bloom duration is 3–5 weeks. The three-lobed, leathery leaves are liver-shaped (the source of both the common and scientific names), dark green above and often purplish beneath, and overwinter from the previous year's growth. New leaves emerge after flowering. Growth rate is slow, with 2–3 years to flowering size from established divisions. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Transplant establishment is slow, self-seeding produces gradual colonies rather than quick coverage, and flower color is highly variable from seed.

Native Range

Hepatica nobilis is native across Europe from Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east to the Ural Mountains, in deciduous woodland understory and on shaded slopes, particularly on calcareous (limestone-derived) soils.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, and rock gardens at 6–9 inch (15–23 cm) spacing, and in containers of 1 gallon (3.8 L) or larger. Flowering in February–April fills a seasonal gap before most perennials emerge. The small size and slow growth suit close-viewing positions along paths and among rocks. Self-seeds slowly to form naturalized colonies over years rather than seasons. The species is not suited to dry soils, full sun, heavily mulched beds that bury the flower buds, or positions subject to frequent soil disturbance.

How to Identify

Identified by a low woodland clump 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall of three-lobed, leathery, overwintering leaves that are dark green above and often purplish beneath. Flowers 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) across with 6–10 petal-like sepals in blue, purple, pink, or white and a central white-stamen boss open from February through April on slender hairy stems, typically before new leaves appear. Separated from Anemone nemorosa (wood anemone) by the three-lobed leathery overwintering leaves (versus soft, divided, deciduous leaves) and the February–April bloom (versus April–May). Separated from Hepatica transsilvanica by the smaller flowers and more rounded leaf lobes.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 6"

Width/Spread6" - 9"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Produces flowers 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) across with 6–10 petal-like sepals in blue, purple, pink, or white surrounding a boss of white stamens, on slender hairy stems from February through April. Flowers open before the new leaves emerge, so the display sits against overwintering foliage or bare litter. Bloom duration is 3–5 weeks. Flower color varies plant-to-plant from seed.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Variable — blue, purple, pink, or white; 6–10 petal-like sepals with central white-stamen boss; 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) across

Foliage Description

Dark green above, often purplish beneath; three-lobed, liver-shaped; leathery; overwintering from previous year

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade Full Shade

Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

loam chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline loam or chalky soil at pH 6.5–8.0. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Deciduous woodland conditions with winter and early spring light followed by summer shade suit the species. Transplant establishment is slow, and plants recover gradually from disturbance, so a permanent position is needed. Overwintering leaves should remain on the plant until new foliage is fully expanded, since they continue to photosynthesize and support the early bloom cycle. A thin leaf-litter mulch is tolerated, though heavy mulch can smother the emerging flower buds.

Pruning

Remove old overwintering leaves in May once the new foliage is fully expanded. No other pruning is needed. Seed is allowed to set for gradual self-seeding, which produces variable flower colors in seedlings.

Pruning Schedule

late spring