American Hepatica Plant Care

American Hepatica (Hepatica americana) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Hepatica genus. American Hepatica is native to the eastern United States and Canada. American Hepatica is also known as Liverleaf, Round-lobed Hepatica.

American Hepatica displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. American Hepatica produces single flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted American Hepatica every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

American Hepatica thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing American Hepatica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hepatica americana tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. American Hepatica prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Hepatica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed American Hepatica every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

American Hepatica is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

American Hepatica can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune American Hepatica while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

American Hepatica is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

American Hepatica can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to transylvanian hepatica plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

American Hepatica is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

American Hepatica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. American Hepatica is native to the eastern United States and Canada. In cooler regions, grow American Hepatica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.