Grow Cyclamen for a burst of vibrant, long-lasting color and elegance in your garden, brightening even the gloomiest of days
Cyclamen is a versatile and attractive plant that adds color and beauty to the garden, especially in seasons when other plants are dormant. With its unique flowers, patterned foliage, and adaptability to various environments, Cyclamen is a favorite among gardeners looking for reliable and decorative perennial plants.
Cyclamen is a charming genus of perennial flowering plants cherished for their striking, upside-down heart-shaped flowers and beautiful marbled foliage. The flowers, ranging from white to pink, red, and purple, have distinctive reflexed petals, creating a unique and elegant appearance. The foliage is equally attractive, with patterned leaves that often have silver marbling or veining, adding year-round interest.
Belonging to the family Primulaceae, along with primroses, the Cyclamen genus comprises around 23 species, each with its distinct characteristics. Some of the more popular species include Cyclamen persicum, commonly used as a houseplant, Cyclamen hederifolium, and Cyclamen coum, known for their hardiness in outdoor gardens.
Native: Cyclamen species are native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Iran, extending to Somalia. They typically grow in woodland areas, rocky slopes, and scrubland, demonstrating their adaptability to a range of natural environments.
Growth Habit: Cyclamen are tuberous perennials that grow from tubers. They have a compact growth habit, forming low clumps that make them ideal as ground covers or container plants.
Size: The plant size varies among species, but most garden varieties reach about 6-10 inches in height (15-25 cm) and 6-12 inches in spread (15-30 cm).
Flowers and Blooming Season: Cyclamen blooms primarily in the fall, winter, or early spring, depending on the species. This bloom time is particularly valued for bringing color to the garden during seasons when few other plants are flowering. After flowering, Cyclamen produces a round pod that bends towards the ground, releasing seeds upon maturity. These plants go dormant for the entire summer.
Foliage: The heart-shaped leaves are often attractively patterned with silver markings, contributing to the plant’s decorative appeal even when not in bloom.
Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species. Many Cyclamen are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, with some species, like C. coum, tolerating colder temperatures.
Uses: Cyclamen are popular for shaded garden beds, rockeries, and containers. Their compact size and attractive foliage make them suitable for underplanting and for adding color to winter gardens.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, which can be harmful to pets and humans. Caution should be taken to keep the plants out of reach of children and animals.
Deer and Rabbit: Cyclamen are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes them a good choice in areas where these animals are a concern.
Invasiveness: Cyclamen are not considered invasive. They can naturalize in suitable conditions but do so in a controlled manner.
Hardiness |
4 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Primulaceae |
Genus | Cyclamen |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2" - 10" (5cm - 25cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
4 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Primulaceae |
Genus | Cyclamen |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2" - 10" (5cm - 25cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!