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 transsilvanica 'Blue Eyes' is said to be derived from the vigorous and free-flowering strain known as 'Buis', and has similarly bright blue flowers.