Hepatica.jpg
Hepaticas love moist, rich neutral to alkaline soil and part shade.
(Leach Botanical Garden)
Show what you know
, May 17-18, will showcase club members' entries in horticulture, floral design, photography, botanical arts and conservation.
The theme is Urban Treasures: A Celebration of Portland Parks.
The show is held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. May 17-18 at the World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland. For information, call 503-228-1367 or visit
. Entrance is free.
Terry Putnam of Portland has 25 years of woodland gardening experience and was president of the Portland Garden Club. One of her favorite genus is Hepatica.
She offers these tips for growing hepaticas:
- Hepaticas love moist, rich neutral to alkaline soil and part shade.
- They are one of the earliest spring bloomers. The Japanese name for Hepatica is 'Yukiwariso' and means "plant that shoots up from the snow."
- Hepaticas have small, beautiful leaves and flowers that are white, blue, purple or pink. These plants are diminutive, only 3- to 6-inches tall, so plant them where they can be seen. The blooms last for weeks.
- Cut away the old leaves and spent flowers just after flowering.
- Hepatica can be propagated by seeds, sharing or root cuttings.
Learn more: A good source online is www.hepatica.eu. The flower are in bloom in February at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland (503-823-9503)
-- Homes & Gardens of the Northwest staff
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