Family: Primulaceae

Cyclamen are an enchanting group of plants, admired for their attractive, mostly marbled foliage and distinctive flowers with swept back, slightly twisted petals. Some, such as the florists' cyclamen, have large showy flowers, while many of the species have small flowers, growing only 8-10 cm (3-4 in) high. Some cyclamen flower in autumn or winter, others in late winter and spring. Native to parts of Europe and countries around the Mediterranean, all share a need to be kept rather dry during their dormant period. The smaller varieties make a great show when planted in masses or drifts. The floral display is quite long-lasting and even out of flower the marbled leaves make a good ground-cover for many months of the year. Cyclamen are perfect for a lightly shaded spot under a tree, and for rock gardens and containers. In cool climates, they can be grown in more sunny areas than in warmer zones. Cyclamen blooms do not cut well. For indoor colour, use potted plants of the florists' cyclamen.

Species

C. coum, zone 6, flowers from late winter into spring and has largish, deep pink flowers on short stems. A white form of this species is available.

Autumn-flowering C. hederifolium, zone 6, has beautifully marbled foliage of 8-10 cm (3-4 in) length. The small, clear pink flowers protrude above the leaves. This species also has a white form.

C. persicum, zone 9, has handsomely marbled foliage and spectacular flowers, with swept back petals, in every shade of pink and red, purple, cerise and white, as well as in bicolours. Some have a light perfume. This is the florists' cyclamen grown as a pot plant under glass or in the home. It flowers throughout the autumn and winter period.

C. repandum, zone 7, is a spring-flowering species. The foliage is a reddish colour on the underside.

Cultivation

Cyclamen like a well-drained soil, with a high organic content, and do best beneath deciduous trees where there is some winter sun but dappled sunlight for the rest of the year. If the soil is poor, sprinkle with blood and bone or complete plant food when they begin to grow. Fertilizer can also be applied after flowering. Water well in windy or very dry weather, but check to see if the soil is dry on the surface only as overwatering will rapidly rot the tubers. Plant tubers very shallowly. The florists' cyclamen are grown in pots in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. They are usually raised from seed sown in late summer and planted so that the tops of the tubers are showing above the compost surface. Use well-drained, soil-based compost.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.