Sharp-lobed hepatica
Hepatica acutiloba · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sharp-lobed hepatica: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, trilobate, dark green tinged with purple
- Flowering
- February to April, blue-violet, pink or white flowers
- Adult size
- 10 to 15 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- North America (Quebec, Eastern United States)
- Soil type
- Rich in organic matter, well-draining, slightly acidic
Care
Light
Place the hepatica in partial shade or under deciduous trees, ideal for woodland settings. Avoid direct summer sun which dries out the foliage. A north or east-facing exposure works perfectly.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but without water stagnation, especially during spring growth. A mulch of fallen leaves helps retain moisture and mimics its natural habitat. Reduce watering in summer if conditions remain cool.
Soil
Enrich the substrate with leaf mold or well-decomposed compost. Hepatica appreciates slightly acidic, lime-free soil. Perfect drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Cleaning
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring. Leave faded flowers in place as they reseed naturally.
Fertilizing
An annual application of leaf mold or compost at the base is more than sufficient. Avoid aggressive fertilizers: hepatica thrives in soil rich in organic matter.
Diseases and Pests
Very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. Avoid stagnant moisture which can encourage fungal rot. Slugs may occasionally cause damage; control them manually or by gentle means.
Did you know?
Its French name, 'hépatique,' comes from the Latin 'hepaticus' (from the liver), as its trilobate leaves resemble a liver. In the Middle Ages, it was used in herbal medicine according to the doctrine of signatures. In North America, it is one of the first spring flowers, announcing forest renewal.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.