Cyclamen hederifolium
cyclamen bulb ( syn. Neapolitanum)
With their characteristically reflexed blooms and decorative foliage, these hardy cyclamen offer a long season of interest from early autumn to spring.
Appearing on slender stems before the foliage, the scented flowers can range from pure white to rich magenta pink, while the attractively marbled, heart-shaped leaves form a beautiful, ground-hugging carpet that endures throughout winter.
Although typically planted in shade, these cyclamen originate from the Mediterranean, so they'll be equally happy in a sunnier spot. In smaller spaces they can be potted for the windowsill or patio, but will look particularly effective when planted en-masse in a woodland setting, paired with ferns and other shade-tolerant plants.
Appearing on slender stems before the foliage, the scented flowers can range from pure white to rich magenta pink, while the attractively marbled, heart-shaped leaves form a beautiful, ground-hugging carpet that endures throughout winter.
Although typically planted in shade, these cyclamen originate from the Mediterranean, so they'll be equally happy in a sunnier spot. In smaller spaces they can be potted for the windowsill or patio, but will look particularly effective when planted en-masse in a woodland setting, paired with ferns and other shade-tolerant plants.
How to care for Cyclamen hederifolium:
Plant cyclamen corms with the rounded, usually smooth side facing downwards and and the slightly concave side uppermost, planting them shallowly so the top of the corm is just covered with a thin layer of soil or compost. Choose a sheltered position in partial shade, using humus-rich, fertile, free-draining compost.
Cyclamen are well suited to growing in pots, particularly in wide, shallow containers with good drainage holes, where their delicate flowers and patterned foliage can be enjoyed up close. Use a loam-based compost mixed with leafmould and grit to improve drainage, and avoid waterlogged conditions as the corms can rot in heavy or consistently wet compost.
Water after planting and keep the compost lightly moist while the leaves and flowers are actively growing, but reduce watering during the summer dormant period when the foliage dies back. Apply a mulch of well-rotted leafmould around established plants in spring as the foliage begins to fade, helping to maintain moisture levels and replicate their natural woodland conditions.
Hardy cyclamen are excellent for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland-style borders, rockeries and sheltered areas where they can gradually form attractive clumps. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the corms can replenish their energy before the next season’s growth.
Cyclamen are well suited to growing in pots, particularly in wide, shallow containers with good drainage holes, where their delicate flowers and patterned foliage can be enjoyed up close. Use a loam-based compost mixed with leafmould and grit to improve drainage, and avoid waterlogged conditions as the corms can rot in heavy or consistently wet compost.
Water after planting and keep the compost lightly moist while the leaves and flowers are actively growing, but reduce watering during the summer dormant period when the foliage dies back. Apply a mulch of well-rotted leafmould around established plants in spring as the foliage begins to fade, helping to maintain moisture levels and replicate their natural woodland conditions.
Hardy cyclamen are excellent for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, in woodland-style borders, rockeries and sheltered areas where they can gradually form attractive clumps. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the corms can replenish their energy before the next season’s growth.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.12m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
