Cyclamen
Cyclamen spp.
Also known as
Sowbread, Persian Violet, Alpine Violet
Berne Botanic garden Cyclamen repandum by Feloidea (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H6-H2
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 20cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Cyclamen
Cyclamen Overview
The genus Cyclamen comprises 24 species of tuberous perennials. Fully hardy species and cultivars make excellent rock garden plants in borders, or in raised beds. Originating from cool, humid environments, frost-tender Cyclamen can make great indoor plants (especially cultivars of Cyclamen persicum). They bring long-lasting colour to a well-lit room of filtered light, especially in the winter months. Even when they are not flowering, the heart-shaped foliage is very attractive and some species are also fragrant. Different species of Cyclamen have different cultivation preferences, including light needs, and they flower at different times of the year. For instance, Cyclamen hederifolium, which flowers in the autumn, likes shadier conditions than Cyclamen persicum - which flowers in winter/spring and can tolerate full sun.
Common problems with Cyclamen
Cyclamens are very sensitive to temperature. Be sure to keep them in the ideal temperature range. They also tend to be easily affected by fungal diseases. Be sure to keep the soil moist, but not constantly as root and tuber rot might occur.
How to harvest Cyclamen
Harvest seeds after flowering period (depending on species).
How to propagate Cyclamen
Seed
Seeds should be sown fresh, when ripe. Sow to a depth of 0.5 cm and space them 25 to 30 cm apart.
Division
Divide offsets in the dormant period (summer), and plant the tuber just below the soil surface with the top of the tuber exposed.
Cuttings
You can propagate by seeds, stem or root cuttings in late summer or autumn.
Special features of Cyclamen
Pot plant
Great plant for any sized pot.
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Indoor plant
As this plant prefers cooler temperatures, be sure the temperature does not exceed 23ºC or decrease below 3ºC.
Other uses of Cyclamen
Grown for their pendant flowers, grow indoors or outdoors.
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