Hardy Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium (SIGH-kla-men hed-er-ih-FOH-lee-um)

Family: Primulaceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Hardy cyclamen is a tuberous herbaceous perennial in the primrose family (Primulaceae) and is native to the woodlands, shrublands, and rocky areas in the Mediterranean. It has showy pink flowers with tinges of white or pink and ivy-like greenish-gray leaves with silver or white marbling. Hardy cyclamen blooms and sprouts leaves in September to October, the leaves grow through the winter, and then the plant goes dormant before summer, when the seed pods ripen and open. The genus name, Cyclamen , is derived from the Greek word kylos , meaning circle, and refers to the plant's rounded tubers. The specific epithet, hederifolium, refers to its ivy-like leaves. This plant prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial shade but will grow in average dry to moist soil. It even tolerates dry shade. It grows from corms that should be planted about 1 inch deep. The roots emerge from the "shoulders" of the tuberous corm, so make sure that part of the corm is under the soil. It is best to keep them on the dry side when dormant. The hardy cyclamen will self-seed and naturalize if it is undisturbed and is best propagated by seeds. The plant grows 4 to 6 inches tall and spreads from 6 to 12 inches wide. The flower stalks emerge in late summer and early fall and have 1 to 2-inch-long nodding blooms with a dark eye and reflexed petals. After pollination, the flower stalk coils downward near the ground, and the small fruit capsule opens, depositing its seeds the following summer. The hardy cyclamen is a colorful, attractive fall bloomer and has long-lasting variegated foliage. Planted in mass, it is perfect for a rock garden or woodland setting in partial shade. It is the hardest and easiest cyclamen to grow. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. The corms are intolerant of poorly drained soils, especially during summer dormancy. Mice and squirrels may feed on the corms. This plant is toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets. More information on Cyclamen .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 63 attributes.