Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Primulaceae
Botanical Name
Cyclamen
Plant Common Name
Cyclamen
General Description
Best known in the form of the florists' cyclamen, these natives of Europe, the Mediterranean, western Asia, and northern Africa have much to recommend them as garden plants, including hardiness, durability, handsome foliage, charming flowers, and an ornamental season that peaks when most other herbaceous perennials are at ebb. The rounded, often heart-shaped leaves, which are sometimes strikingly marbled with silvery or pewter mottling, appear in fall and are attractive well into spring. Purple, mauve, pink, or white flowers - with backswept, shooting-star petals - appear in summer, fall, winter, or spring, depending on the species. They are often fragrant. The plant dies back to a rounded tuber in late spring.
Most cyclamens do well under deciduous trees, or in other sites that offer bright light in winter and dryish conditions in their summer dormant season. Well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil works best. Plant them in masses for best effect. Pot-grown cyclamens do best in bright filtered light and cool temperatures.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm (8)
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Width
6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm (8)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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Native To
Europe, Mediterranean, Northern Africa, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Purple, Pink, Light Pink, Hot Pink, Magenta, Fuchsia, Rose
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green, Silver
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
