In many regions of Central Europe, the slightly violet-leaning blue of the liverworts (Hepatica nobilis) in the forest indicates the beginning of spring. It is worth planting the liverwort in the garden in places that are otherwise difficult to green due to a lack of light.
Which location is suitable for liverwort?
The ideal location for liverworts (Hepatica nobilis) is an area with full summer shade but sufficient spring light, such as under deciduous trees. The soil should be humus, slightly stony and moisture-retaining, possibly enriched with garden lime.
Basic information about choosing a location
As a typical forest floor plant, the liverwort copes well with full summer shade as long as it receives sufficient light in spring. Therefore, do not plant liverworts under evergreen trees, but rather under deciduous trees such as hazel, forsythia and witch hazel. A location under trees with large foliage is also suboptimal for the liverwort's needs, as this foliage covers the ground too extensively.
The right soil for the liverwort
In nature, liverworts grow particularly often in humus-rich and slightly stony forest soils. The substrate should be able to store enough moisture or, if necessary, be mixed with chopped branches. Small doses of garden lime (€19.00 at Amazon) can have a positive effect on the growth of liverworts.
Tips & Tricks
Even if the plants have successfully established themselves in the garden, you need a little patience until the slow-growing flowers have multiplied into extensive populations. The liverwort's self-sowing is usually supported by ants, some of which use the seeds as food and therefore transport them in and out of their burrow.