Ashwood Nurseries

Ashwood is one of only a few nurseries in the UK specialising in hepatica plants and is unique in that it is the only UK nursery that supplies fresh hepatica seed. The nursery owner John Massey is widely regarded as being one of the UK’s leading experts on hepaticas: he has his own private plant collection and has travelled to Japan, Korea, U.S.A. and Europe to see them in the wild. Our impressive record of Gold Medals for hepatica exhibits at RHS London Flower Shows is a testament to the quality of our plants. One of the highlights of the RHS Shows came in 2000 when we joined forces with the Niigata Nursery Association from Japan. Our combined exhibit received the Lawrence Medal, awarded to the best exhibit to be shown at any of the RHS Shows during any one year.

Hepaticas are among the most beautiful flowers of early spring. On bright sunny days their flowers open wide to display their simple beauty and unobtrusive charm. The colour range includes mainly blue, pink and white in single, semi-double or double forms. The colour and form of the stamens also vary so that all sorts of delightful combinations are possible. They are small clump-forming, almost evergreen herbaceous perennials with attractive lobed leaves, usually green, but some varieties having beautiful variegations or marbling on the upper surface.

If you are able to visit our nursery during February and March you will find a good selection of hepatica plants for sale in our attractive sales area. All are subject to availability so, to avoid disappointment, we advise that you e-mail or telephone before visiting. If you are a collector interested in rare or unusual varieties please be aware that advance ordering is essential and that you may have to be prepared to wait a year or two.

We are sure you will enjoy wandering through our show gardens where you will see hepaticas growing with spring bulbs, herbaceous plants and early flowering shrubs. If you visit on 'John’s Private Garden' Open Day in March you will be able to see how John Massey has used hepaticas in his own private garden to stunning effect.

We offer a very friendly mail order service and we are more than happy to discuss your requirements, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 When to buy plants and seed:

Plants at the Nursery: February and March are best if you want to see the plants in flower.
Good availability at other times. Please telephone or e-mail to check availability at all times.

Mail Order Plants are despatched all year round, best availability late February to April.

Mail Order Seed is despatched mid April to mid May, (within 48 hours of gathering as it must be sown fresh.)

Full Colour Brochure:

A full colour brochure devoted to hepaticas can be obtained for £2.20 (£3.70 for EU and overseas).Contact us with your credit card details or add to an order form.