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Cyclamen hederifolium

Image of Cyclamen hederifolium

International Flower Bulb Centre

Family

Primulaceae

Botanical Name

Cyclamen hederifolium

Plant Common Name

Ivy-leaved Cyclamen

General Description

This hardy, durable, low-growing perennial offers charming flowers in late summer and handsome foliage through the chilly months. Native to southern Europe and westernmost Turkey, it has escaped gardens and established naturalized populations over much of the rest of Europe.

The gray- to dark-green, heart-shaped to lance-shaped leaves of Cyclamen hederifolium arise from underground tubers in late summer or early fall. The leaves are often strikingly marbled or veined with contrasting shades of green or silver-gray. Light- to deep-pink, nodding flowers with five erect, backswept petals are borne on short stems in summer and early fall, usually before the leaves emerge. The petals have a purple eye-mark at the base. Although typically unscented, the flowers are sometimes sweetly fragrant. The flower stalks coil back to the ground as the spherical seed capsules develop. Ants harvest and distribute the sugary-coated seeds. The leaves die back in spring to the plump, concave, long-lived tuber, which can grow to more than 10 inches (25 cm) across.

C. hederifolium thrives in well-drained, humus-rich, near-neutral soil. It does well under deciduous trees, or in other sites that are sunny in winter and drier and shadier during its summer dormant season. Plant the tubers in late summer or spring at a relatively shallow depth. Older tubers often "grow out" of the soil and require replanting. This cyclamen is lovely planted in large sweeps. It also works well in rock gardens and containers. Many cultivars have been selected for the color or form of their flowers or leaves.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    3"-8" / 7.6cm - 20.3cm (8)

  • Width

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm (8)

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southern Europe, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Light Pink, Fuchsia

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Blue Green, Gray Green, Silver

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes