Hepatica nobilis var. japonica
Japanese liverleaf
A small, slow-growing, semi-evergreen perennial to 8cm tall with leathery, deep green leaves with pointed lobes. The slightly cupped, star-shapedflowers borne in spring may be blue, pink, white or purple-blue
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Pink Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- 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
- Japan
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
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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