Hepatica is a genus belonging to thefamily RanunculaceaeIt is a perennial plant native to the northern hemisphere. Other common names for this plant are liverwort and liverwort. The reason for its name is that the leaves of the plant look like a human liver and have three lobes. Traditionally, this plant was thought to have medicinal properties that could help treat liver problems, but research into this plant's properties proves the opposite to be true. This plant can irritate the skin on direct contact and can be poisonous when consumed.
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Characteristics of the liver plant
The Hepatica plant can grow to a height of3 to 6 inches. It has glossy, leathery, dark green leaves with a few hairs growing underneath. The leaves are about 5 cm wide and have 3 lobes. They turn slightly purple in the fall and the old leaves die off when the new ones arrive.
The flowers of this plant are star-shaped and appear somewhere between April and May. They are about 1 inch wide and have no petals. They come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, purple and blue, and the central stamens are slightly yellowish. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and other flies.
The Hepatica plant has not only leaves with light tufts of hair, but also hairy fruits with short tips.
Cultivation of the Hepatica plant
This plant grows well indoorspenumbrain full shade, making it an ideal plant for the forest. It needs well-draining soil to grow; However, in some areas it can also grow in moist soil. The soil can be acidic, neutral or alkaline, but the most suitable type is alkaline for the plant to grow and thrive. The Hepatica plant is grown from seeds that are available online and in stores in many colors and varieties. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones4 a 8.Special care must be taken to ensure that this ornamental plant does not have root disorders. Therefore, it must be planted in a place chosen very carefully.
Due to its inhibitory effects, it can also impair the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Furthermore, these plants also need regular fertilization to get all the nutrients they need to grow well. Liquid fertilizer should be used from the beginning and extra care should be taken as this plant is very susceptible to fungal attack.
Types of Hepatic
There are many varieties of the Hepatica plant. The most popular ones are given below with their details.
Noble liver (blue tones)
This variety is very easy to grow. It grows 9 to 15 centimeters tall and has single blue flowers that appear in early spring, usually in February. The foliage is attractively marbled and deep green in color. This strain is very easy to grow and grow inacidic or alkaline soils.It is best used in rockgardensand alpine huts.
In the initial period after planting, this plant needs a lot of sunlight. But soon after, it must be placed in the shade to protect it from the scorching heat of the sun. If it stays in the sun too long, the heat can cause the flowers to die. This variant of the Hepatica plant requires high levels of humidity to ensure maximum growth. Before flowering, the old leaves must be removed to keep this plant fresh and healthy longer. The USDA resistance zone for this range is 7.
Noble Hepatica (shades of pink)
This variety is distinguished by itspink flowerswhich bloom in February and March. The foliage is evergreen and has a marble texture. This plant grows from 9 to 15 centimeters in height. He also received the Jardim Merit Award (AGM). Under ideal conditions, this plant should be shaded to grow healthily.
This variant of Hepatica Nobilis does well in any acidic or alkaline soil. It can be best used in rock and container gardens. The USDA hardiness zones for this plant are5 a 7.It takes about5 to 10 yearsto allow this plant to grow fully and look best when planted with other spring flowering woodland creatures. This strain's growth rate is slower than the others, as evidenced by its nearly decade-long growing season.
Leberblümchen Americana ‘Ashwood Marbles’
This variety is characterized by silvery marbled leaves and flowerslavendelblau. Sometimes the flowers can even have a slight pink tint. They bloom in February and March. To encourage the healthy growth of these plants, it is best to grow them in a sheltered location. They typically grow 10 to 15 inches tall.
Any soil is ideal for growing this plant, as long as it is acidic or alkaline. Regular fertilization is also necessary to ensure that Hepatica Americana is getting all the nutrients it needs to grow into a healthy plant. It is hardy in USDA zone 7.
acutiloba liver
This variety is characterized by small flowers that bloom very early. The flower mostly comes in white, but it can also be in other colors such as pink and purple. The flowers are 2.5 cm in diameter and usually have 5 to 12 petals. Another common name for this strain is Sharp Lobed Hepatica. Full sun and partial shade are ideal for growing this plant near any acidic or alkaline soil. For optimal growth, the soil should have some rocky bits, including chunks of limestone and rotten leaves. The semi-evergreen foliage has leaves that are 3 inches long and lobed into 3 parts. Each lobe is egg-shaped and has a pointed tip.
The plant grows up to 10 centimeters in height and also up to 10 centimeters in width. It takes about 5 to 10 years for this plant to reach its maximum. The flowering period of this plant ismid springand lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers of this plant are short-lived and often fall off. The propagation of this plant is by seeding and the plant self-seeds. This particular variety of Hepatica also attracts a lot of bees, so be sure to plant them in your garden. The leaves of this plant are poisonous and must be kept away from people and animals.
Hepatica acutiloba x H. nobilis multipetala
This variety is hardy to USDA zone 7 and is a combination of two species. This hybrid has upward-facing flowers, which it takes from Hepatica acutiloba, and bluish flowers, which it takes from Hepatica nobilis multipetala. It is a vigorous plant that blooms in February and March. It grows up to 6 inches tall and needs partial shade for optimal growth.
It also needs alkaline or acidic soil to ensure it grows properly. Regular fertilizing may be necessary to ensure this plant receives all the desirable nutrients it needs to grow into a healthy plant.
hepatica nobilis var. Japanese
This variety is resistantUSDA-Zone 6. This variant of the Hepatica plant produces purple flowers that bloom during the months of February and March. As the name suggests, this strain originated in Japan. It needs shade to grow well and the soil should have an average amount of moisture. This plant can grow to a height of6 inchesand has a clustered growth habit.
The Hepatic plant is very colorful and can brighten up any garden with its beauty!