Hepatica

The genus Hepatica (Hepatica) consists of a dozen herbaceous rhizomatous perennial resistant plant species. The leaves are basal three-lobed shiny, wintering under snow. In the spring, after flowering, new ones grow. These are undergrowth plants that form dark green pillows. The diameter of the flower corollas is usually 2-2. 5 cm; the flowers are solitary, on long pedicels. Transylvanian hepatica (Hepatica transylvanica) - a species with a height of no more than 12-13 cm. In March and April, purple-blue flowers bloom. The three-lobed liverwort (H. triloba), or the noble liverwort (H. nobilis), is a species no more than 10-20 cm high. It can be found even in mountainous areas. Dark leathery three-lobed leaves are covered with down. The flowers are solitary, can be either white or various shades of pink, purple and blue; at the base-3 small bracts. There are numerous stamens with white anthers. The flowering period begins early in spring and ends in May. The garden form 'White' has white flowers. Middle liverwort (H. media), which some consider a separate species, is in fact a hybrid of the two species already described. In spring, blue flowers appear. It grows up to 25 cm in height.

The genus Hepatica (Hepatica) consists of a dozen herbaceous rhizomatous perennial resistant plant species. The leaves are basal three-lobed shiny, wintering under snow. In the spring, after flowering, new ones grow. These are undergrowth plants that form dark green pillows. The diameter of the flower corollas is usually 2-2. 5 cm; the flowers are solitary, on long pedicels.

Transylvanian hepatica (Hepatica transylvanica) - a species with a height of no more than 12-13 cm. In March and April, purple-blue flowers bloom.

The three-lobed liverwort (H. triloba), or the noble liverwort (H. nobilis), is a species no more than 10-20 cm high. It can be found even in mountainous areas. Dark leathery three-lobed leaves are covered with down. The flowers are solitary, can be either white or various shades of pink, purple and blue; at the base-3 small bracts. There are numerous stamens with white anthers. The flowering period begins early in spring and ends in May. The garden form 'White' has white flowers.

Middle liverwort (H. media), which some consider a separate species, is in fact a hybrid of the two species already described. In spring, blue flowers appear. It grows up to 25 cm in height.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Liverwort are grown in the open ground in flower beds, in borders, in mixborders, on rocky areas, in the shade of hedges and in the undergrowth. Plant liverwort in autumn, observing the distance between plants of at least 25-30 cm. Soil with a high humus content, neutral or slightly alkaline with pH b,5-7,5 is preferred. In spring, organic fertilizers are applied, spreading them over the surface of the site (3-4 kg/m2) or granular mineral fertilizers in the amount of 20-30 g/m2, which contributes to the development and flowering of plants.

Plants of the genus Liverwort are grown in the open ground in flower beds, in borders, in mixborders, on rocky areas, in the shade of hedges and in the undergrowth. Plant liverwort in autumn, observing the distance between plants of at least 25-30 cm. Soil with a high humus content, neutral or slightly alkaline with pH b,5-7,5 is preferred. In spring, organic fertilizers are applied, spreading them over the surface of the site (3-4 kg/m2) or granular mineral fertilizers in the amount of 20-30 g/m2, which contributes to the development and flowering of plants.

Location

These plants prefer partial shade, but grow well in open sunny places.

Temperature

Liverwort is a winter-hardy crop. All types are resistant to both low and high air temperatures.

Watering

A lot of watering is not required. Water only young plants, during periods of prolonged drought and if the flowers do not grow in the most suitable place.

Care

Remove withered flowers and damaged leaves.

Reproduction

Propagate by dividing bushes in autumn, as well as seeds in spring. Sowing is carried out in boxes, using a soil mixture of 1/3 of fertile humus, 1/3 of peat and 1/3 of rotted leaf humus. Add a small amount of coarse sand. Seedlings are not touched until the spring of next year, when the plants are planted one at a time in pots. They are planted in the fall. Seedlings bloom for 3-4 years. Liverwort seeds quickly lose their germination.

Propagate by dividing bushes in autumn, as well as seeds in spring. Sowing is carried out in boxes, using a soil mixture of 1/3 of fertile humus, 1/3 of peat and 1/3 of rotted leaf humus. Add a small amount of coarse sand. Seedlings are not touched until the spring of next year, when the plants are planted one at a time in pots. They are planted in the fall. Seedlings bloom for 3-4 years. Liverwort seeds quickly lose their germination.

Diseases

With poor soil drainage, rotting of the root system can occur. Yellow leaves appear on the plants. If, on the contrary, they are planted in the open sun or in a dry place, then growth will be difficult. This can be prevented by observing the requirements imposed by plants for cultivation.

Acquisition

Since these are quite rare plants, it is best to buy them in flower shops and gardening centers in advance, before planting. You need to choose healthy-looking specimens.