
Photo: Anne HeckmannCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Transylvanian Hepatica Plant Care
Hepatica transsilvanica Fuss
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its distinctive three-lobed leaves and striking purplish-blue flowers, this plant originates from the Transylvania region of Romania. Plant collectors are drawn to Hepatica transsilvanica for its rare beauty and unique appearance, making it a sought-after addition to any garden.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Transylvanian Hepatica?
Plant Transylvanian Hepatica in partial to full shade (USDA zones 5a–8b) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Transylvanian Hepatica Native To?
What Is the Transylvanian Hepatica?
Transylvanian Hepatica (Hepatica transsilvanica) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Hepatica genus. Transylvanian Hepatica is native to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Transylvanian Hepatica is also known as Liverleaf.
Transylvanian Hepatica displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Transylvanian Hepatica produces single flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Water a young or newly planted Transylvanian 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Transylvanian Hepatica Need?
Transylvanian Hepatica thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Transylvanian Hepatica in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Transylvanian Hepatica Prefer?
Hepatica transsilvanica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Transylvanian Hepatica prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Transylvanian Hepatica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Feed Transylvanian 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.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Transylvanian Hepatica?
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.
Transylvanian Hepatica is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Transylvanian 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.
How Do You Prune a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Prune Transylvanian 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.
How Do You Care for a Transylvanian Hepatica in Winter?
Transylvanian Hepatica is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Transylvanian Hepatica?
Transylvanian Hepatica can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sharp-lobed hepatica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Transylvanian Hepatica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Transylvanian Hepatica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Transylvanian Hepatica?
Transylvanian 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Transylvanian Hepatica Need?
Transylvanian Hepatica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Transylvanian Hepatica is native to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Transylvanian Hepatica is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hepatica genus — compare its care with other Hepatica species on PlantoScan.
Hepatica is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Transylvanian Hepatica copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hepatica transsilvanica Fuss, family Ranunculaceae (first published in Verh. Mitth. Siebenbürg. Vereins Naturwiss. Hermannstadt 1: 83 (1850)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Transylvanian Hepatica, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Anne Heckmann, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
