Hepaticas have become cult plants in some places, vast sums of money being invested in forms with unusual colours or flower structure. Tulip mania again? The original species are just as good, flowering in early spring before or as the new leaves appear. The basal leaves are very characteristic, with three pointed lobes, and the flowers make shallow cups with prominent stamens.

Hepatica nobilis var. japonica 'Red' is, as its name implies, the Japanese form of this widespread species. Its Japanese name means that it breaks through the snow, reflecting its flowering in early spring. It differs from other forms in having pointed lobes to the leaves and up to nine petals (tepals) instead of the usual six.