We offer a complete planting design service.
If you need advice on sprucing up tired borders or giving your garden a complete new look then we are the people to call!
Why not get in touch to see how we can transform your garden?
Hepatica nobilis Rubra
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Hepatica
Species: nobilis
Cultivar 'Rubra'
Hepatica nobilis
Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra' is one of those plants that I look forward to seeing each spring after a long Scottish Winter. Pictured above at Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens, flowering in March, I go back to the same spot each year to revel in the plants' enduring appeal.
whats so special about Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra'?
Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra' is not a large plant, it reaches only about 10cm high and a little more across.
The leaves of 'Rubra' are bronzed and make an attractive if not spectacular ground cover.
But the flowers are striking. The buttercup like 2.5cm flowers are brilliant purple to cerise in colour. The center of each flower is adorned with small white anthers radiating out from the middle on short stems. Close up each flower is a delight. On mass a rich purple carpet covers the ground.
where to place Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra'?
Ideally Hepaticas like to be in woodland so a humus rich soil is required, as is a little shade. This makes Hepatica an ideal ground cover under deciduous trees and shrubs. Be careful not to make the soil too acidic and once planted leave well alone except for an annual mulch as Hepaticas don't like being disturbed.
Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra' planting combinations
Hepaticas are best mixed with a collection of other spring flowering bulbs for a radiant display of colour. Try to stick to blues or pinks to tie in with those strong cerise tones. Alternatively only a pale yellow could sit comfortably with these colours.
Hepatica nobilis 'Rubra' at a glance
use these terms to search for plants with similar features