Is Cyclamen hard to grow?
Although this woodland plant looks delicate, hardy cyclamen is vigorous and easy to grow. The plant pairs well with other small woodland plants such as hellebores, ajuga, or trillium. Hardy cyclamen tops out at 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.). Growing hardy cyclamen outdoors is simple as long as you follow a few general guidelines.
What are the basics of Cyclamen?
1 BASICS. Cyclamen spp. Cyclamen is a cool weather perennial grown from a flat disc-like bulb, which is also referred to as a tuber. 2 PLANTING CYCLAMEN. Indoor plants can be purchased in fall or winter. Plant tubers outdoors in late summer or early fall. 3 CYCLAMEN CARE. Cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures between 50-70 degrees F. ...
Is Cyclamen intaminatum Hardy?
Cyclamen intaminatum is fairly hardy, but due to its small stature is usually grown in pots or in an alpine garden. (Hardiness Zone 5-8, at least) Cyclamen libanoticum is native to Lebanon and has large flowers which appear in early spring.
What is the Hardy zone for Cyclamen?
(Hardiness Zone 7-8, at least) Cyclamen x meiklei (Cyclamen creticum x Cyclamen repandum) (Hardiness Zone 7b-9, guessing) Cyclamen x saundersiae (Cyclamen balearicum x Cyclamen rhodium ssp. peloponnesiacum) has variable silver spotted and marbled leaves, and usually pink flowers.
Are cyclamen cold hardy?
Unlike florist's cyclamen that grows outdoors only in warm climates, hardy cyclamen tolerates cold climates and freezing winters. However, this cool climate plant doesn't survive where summers are hot and dry. Hardy cyclamen grows in nearly any type of loose, well-drained soil.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen?
In mild climates that don't get frost, most garden centers sell florist's Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) and do not distinguish between indoor or outdoor varieties. And there's no need to—in that type of environment, florist's Cyclamen behaves the same whether it's grown as an indoor plant or an outdoor perennial.
Can I put my cyclamen outside?
Outdoors. They can be used in hanging baskets and containers or planted into the ground. They don't like heavy rain and strong winds so would appreciate a sheltered site in dappled shade with dry soil. They are fairly hardy and can tolerate frost down to about -3 to -4C (24 – 26F).
Can cyclamen survive a freeze?
While cyclamen like cool weather, they don't like frost to settle directly on them. That's easy enough to remedy by using old sheets or frost cloth overnight. But if we get another 90 hours straight of below-freezing temperatures, coupled with days of snow cover, cyclamen will not survive.
How can you tell if a cyclamen is Hardy?
We are often asked about hardiness and the easiest way to know if a cyclamen is hardy is simply, the bigger and showier the flowers, the less likely it is to be suitable for outdoors all year round.
Do cyclamen come back every year?
Is it a perennial or an annual? Cyclamen is a tuberous perennial. In warmer climates (Zones 6-9), it may be planted in the ground and will reappear every year. In colder areas of Zone 6, it may be wise to add an extra layer of mulch to protect it from harsh temperatures during the winter.
Can you plant cyclamens in the garden?
In the garden cyclamens do well amongst other shrubs and will live for a long time. There is much variety amongst cyclamen. Jane's favourites include the fragrant, small flowered, and true miniature varieties. She loves the delicate flowers and the lovely motley, marbled leaves, each with a different pattern.
Where should cyclamen be placed outside?
Cyclamen care outdoors They cope with light frost, but need the right conditions to thrive. Ideally, plant your outdoor cyclamen in a sheltered spot under deciduous trees for dappled shade in summer and sun in winter. In temperate climates, potted cyclamen plants flower for months, from February right through winter.
What temperature can cyclamen tolerate?
at night, your cyclamen will start to die slowly. Temperatures that are too high will cause the plant to begin to yellow, and the flowers will fade rapidly. Cyclamen that are sold as houseplants are tropical and cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees F. (4 C.).
Which cyclamen are frost hardy?
Cultivar SelectionCyclamen coum AGM: This species and its many excellent cultivars have pink or magenta flowers during the depths of winter from January to March, surviving in the severest weather. ... Cyclamen hederifolium AGM: This excellent garden plant will provide ground cover from winter to spring.More items...
How do I protect my cyclamen in the winter?
Temperature: Cool, 50 to 60 degrees F is ideal. Light: Bright light, but away from direct sunlight. Water: Keep the potting soil moist. Water from the bottom with tepid water or very slowly from the top, around the edges; avoid watering the center bulb of the plant.
How many years do cyclamen last?
how long do cyclamen last? In a small vase, cyclamen can last up to 5 or 6 days. Indoor pots flower for a couple of months.
How long does it take for cyclamen to grow?
After 16 weeks, you can see the tuber and leaves forming. Two weeks later, there are a few more leaves. But if you're willing to wait seven to nine months, the results are sensational. The drill to keeping cyclamen looking good is much quicker.
How to get cyclamens to bloom after the holidays?
After the holidays, cyclamens need a location with bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. They prefer high humidity, so try grouping them with other plants, or place them in a saucer filled with pebbles and a little water. (Just don't let the roots touch the water, which can cause rotting.) When the flowers finish, the plants will ...
How many petals does a cyclamen flower have?
According to expert Hans Gerritsen, the perfect cyclamen flower features four petals up and one petal down and looks something like this. Cyclamen. Cyclamen are native to the eastern Mediterranean, so spring's cool temperatures bring out their blooms.
Is Cyclamen a perennial?
Most cyclamen are perennials because they develop a tuber. So the tuber, if placed in the right location, will come back year after year. And to give you an idea of the longevity of this plant, the tubers can live up to a century. Cyclamen 'Indiaka'. Photo by: Morel Diffusion SAS.
Is a perennial cyclamen hardy?
In fact, perennial cyclamen are very hardy and are perfect for landscapes in the colder regions of the country. The hardiest varieties are smaller than the standard-sized floral cyclamen, but if you're looking for a happy medium, mid-sized cyclamen fit the bill. "For the home gardener, I recommend planting a mid-sized to smaller one right into ...
Do cyclamen survive in cold weather?
"If you have night temperatures that drop almost to freezing, the cyclamen will still survive," he says. In fact, perennial cyclamen are very hardy ...
Is Cyclamen hardy?
This perennial cyclamen is very hardy so it's perfect for landscapes in the colder regions of the country. After the holidays, cyclamens need a location with bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. They prefer high humidity, so try grouping them with other plants, or place them in a saucer filled with pebbles and a little water.
Which Cyclamen species are the hardest?
The hardiest species of Cyclamen are hederifolium, coum and purpurascens. C.hederifolium and purpurascenshave been known to withstand prolonged freezing at -22 F°. C.cilicium, and pseudibericumare less hardy in some situations. Frost-tolerant but not able to withstand prolonged freezing is repandum.
Where is Cyclamen native to?
Cyclamen hederifoliumis native to woodland, scrub, and rocky areas in the Mediterranean region. The most widespread Cyclamen species it is found from southern France to western Turkey and Mediterranean islands. Growing from sea level to 4200 ft. in woodlands, scrub and rocky areas.
How high can Hederifolium grow?
Growing from sea level to 4200 ft. in woodlands, scrub and rocky areas. It is the hardiest, most robust and easiest to grow. Hederifolium self seeds freely and if left undisturbed will naturalize. Tolerant of all average garden soils it can also grow in areas with more sun.
Where does Repandum vividum grow?
Repandum ssp.vividum has very intense coloring and unlike the other repandum subspecies grows in sunnier places like dry open pine woodland, in rocky gullies, and under shrubs in hotter sunnier scrub. C.repandum ssp.rhodenseis widespread on the island of Rhodes growing on hillsides under pine.
What color is a Hederifolium?
Foliage color may be green with a symmetrical darker green or silver fractal pattern. Tubers of hederifolium increase in size and it is not uncommon to find older tubers the size of a small dinner plate. These larger and older tubers produce an amazing profusion of blooms. They are very long lived.
Where is Cyclamen pseudibericumis found?
Cyclamen pseudibericumis found in a very small area of the Nur and Anti-Taurus mountains of southern Turkey at elevations of 1600-5000 ft.
When do cyclamen bloom?
This cyclamen doesn't do well in hot dry sunnier areas. They bloom in April and May. The petals are long and twisted, while the tubers are round with a depression and reach a little over 2 inches across. The tubers are deep chestnut brown, and in age the surface becomes corky, rooting from the bottom.
What is a hardy cyclamen?
Hardy cyclamen are a group of tuberous perennials, whose small stature make them perfect for rock gardens, alpine beds, or potted plants. They have charming pink, white or purple nodding flowers with upright petals that are reminiscent of fairy wings or shuttlecocks. Many cyclamen species bloom in the fall and late winter when there is little else in flower. In addition, cyclamen are prized for their often kaleidoscopic green and silver patterned leaves whose intricacy and variety of form are unmatched in the garden. Once you see a drift of cyclamen in bloom, you too will be enchanted and want to add them to your plant collection.
How long do cyclamen live?
A well-tended cyclamen can live up to 100 years in the same spot.
What is the most commonly grown garden plant?
Although Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium are the most commonly grown garden species, many others also make worthy, easy-to-grow garden plants. According to Nancy Goodwin, gardeners who grow a wide array of species can have a succession of flowers in every month of the year.
What is cyclamen used for?
The Greek doctor and botanist, Dioscorides, documented several medical uses for cyclamen that include its use as a purgative, to speed the delivery of babies, to cause abortions, to make hair re-grow, and as an amorous medicine which caused the person taking it to fall violently in love.
How long have cyclamen been used medicinally?
Although they have been used as ornamentals for the last 400 years or so, cyclamen have been used medicinally for over 2000 years. Cyclamen first made their way into European gardens in the 1600s, but for a long time they remained a rare curiosity in specialty collections.
What do cyclamen plants symbolize?
Potted cyclamen plants have long been symbols of resignation and goodbye , and as such, they are often given to people when they move, change jobs, or retire. As garden plants, they have been used since at least the 1650s, but were not widely popular until after WWII.
Which plants are the easiest to grow in temperate gardens?
Cyclamen hederifolium, cilicium, coum, and alpinum#N#2. Cyclamen purpurascens, pseudibericum, repandum, mirabile, rhodium, intaminatum, graecum, colchicum#N#3. Cyclamen balearicum, creticum, and parviflorum#N#4. Cyclamen africanum, coum ssp. elegans, rhodium ssp. peloponnesiacum, persicum, rohlfsianum, and somalense
How tall does a cyclamen grow?
The plant pairs well with other small woodland plants such as hellebores, ajuga, or trillium. Hardy cyclamen tops out at 3 to 6 inches (8 -15 cm.).
When does Cyclamen go dormant?
Hardy cyclamen lights up the garden with showy mounds of silvery-white foliage and heart-shaped leaves that appear in autumn and last until the plant goes dormant in late spring.
Can Cyclamen survive in cold weather?
Unlike florist’s cyclamen that grows outdoors only in warm climates, hardy cyclamen tolerates cold climates and freezing winters. However, this cool climate plant doesn’t survive where summers are hot and dry. Hardy cyclamen grows in nearly any type of loose, well-drained soil.
Cultivation notes
Cyclamen are not difficult to grow in the garden, provided the site is not overly dry or sunny.
Propagation
Collect seed of most cyclamen species when the flower-stalk coils, drawing the seed capsule closer to the soil surface to release the ripe seed. Best sown fresh, seeds should be sown immediately after soaking overnight, in a mix of equal parts seed compost and sharp grit.
What is a cyclamen?
Everything You Need to Know About Cyclamen. Cyclamens are hardy plants that will add a splash of color to your garden at various times of the year, including winter. These are easy plants to grow, even for beginners. However, it is important to care for them properly for them to thrive. If you want to grow cyclamen in your garden, ...
What are the problems with cyclamens?
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, these can include the following: Glasshouse red spider mite- These are a problem if you are growing your cyclamens under glass.
How to rebloom a Cyclamen?
According to Gardening Know How, there are certain steps you should take if you want your cyclamen to rebloom. You should wait until your cyclamen has finished its dormant period. You can then bring it out of storage and water the plant, making sure you completely soak the soil. Check that the tuber has not outgrown the pot. If it has, then you should repot the plant in a larger pot. You can resume normal cyclamen care as soon as the leaves begin to grow. Soon after, your plant should rebloom and regain its former glory.
How to grow cyclamen in a container?
Remove the cyclamen from its tray and position in the container. Cover the tuber and roots with compost and pat down firmly. Water the plants immediately. If you are planting your cyclamen directly into the garden, then use these tips to help them thrive: Make a small hole in the soil to shallow plant the tuber.
What flowers bloom in the fall?
Cilicium- This is a species that flowers in the fall. It has either purple or pink flowers and a sweet scent. Alpinium- A sweetly scented purple flower that flowers in the early spring. Hederifolium- One of the hardiest species, this variety of cyclamen flowers from late summer to Autumn.
How many petals does a cyclamen have?
The flowers each have five petals that vary in shape depending on the species. Cyclamen come in many colors, with the most common being shades of white, pink, or purple. The style protrudes slightly, and the stamens are inside the flower. Fruit- When fruit begins to form, the flower stem bends.
Why are cyclamens good for gardens?
Cyclamens make a great choice for such gardens as they add some greenery and color to areas that you otherwise be neglected. Winter color- Often, a garden is a dull place during the colder months as there are few flowers that thrive at this time.
PLANTING CYCLAMEN
Indoor plants can be purchased in fall or winter. Plant tubers outdoors in late summer or early fall.
CYCLAMEN CARE
Cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures between 50-70 degrees F. Keep houseplants out of extreme heat or drafts. If temperatures are too high, flower buds will fail to develop and plants will go dormant prematurely. Place pots on trays filled with water and pebbles to increase air humidity.
CYCLAMEN VARIETIES
Native to the Mediterranean region, there are over 20 Cyclamen species. Persian cyclamen ( Cyclamen persicum ), also known as florist’s cyclamen, is a common houseplant found in garden centers and grocery stores at Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CYCLAMEN
For borders and landscapes: Hardy cyclamen naturalizes well in rockeries, alpine gardens and woodland settings.
DESIGNING WITH CYCLAMEN
There are many ways to incorporate cyclamen into your home and landscape. Here’s how:
How can you tell if a cyclamen is Hardy?
We are often asked about hardiness and the easiest way to know if a cyclamen is hardy is simply, the bigger and showier the flowers, the less likely it is to be suitable for outdoors all year round. Cyclamen Hederifolium and c. Coum. are both wonderful hardy ground cover varieties, both with RHS AGM awards.
Are cyclamen perennials or annuals?
Is it a perennial or an annual? Answer: Cyclamen is a tuberous perennial. In warmer climates (Zones 6-9), it may be planted in the ground and will reappear every year. In colder areas of Zone 6, it may be wise to add an extra layer of mulch to protect it from harsh temperatures during the winter.
Where do cyclamen grow best?
Hardy cyclamen species and cultivars are ideal for naturalising under trees, on banks or in a shady border and planted in association with other early-flowering woodland plants such as snowdrops, winter aconites and primroses.
Do cyclamens like sun?
Most often grown in pots indoors, cyclamen like plenty of natural light. Put in a well-lit, cool but draught- free spot – preferably with an hour or two of sunlight each morning, although no strong sunlight.
How long do cyclamen plants last?
One of the great things about indoor cyclamen is if (like me), you are a bit hit and miss with your house plant care, they are pretty easy and reliable, looking good for six to eight weeks in our cold house.
How do I get my cyclamen to rebloom?
Start watering normally, and fertilizing once a month. Keep the plant near a bright window in a cool room – about 65 °F (a bit colder at night – even as cool as 40 °F). The plant will start growing again and develop new blooms. Once blooms have set, continue caring for the cyclamen as normal.
Is cyclamen toxic to dogs?
Cyclamen contains irritating saponins, and when any part of the plant (especially the tubers or roots) are chewed or ingested by dogs and cats, it can result in clinical signs of drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
Introduction to Hardy Cyclamen
History and Background of Hardy Cyclamen
- The name cyclamen comes from the Latin "cyclamnos" which in turn comes from the Greek "kuklaminos" and "kuklos" which means cycle, circle, or wheel. This refers either to the round, wheel-like shape of the tubers or to the fact that the flower stalk circles upon itself as the fruit develops. Cyclamen have several common names, but most people use the genus name as a co…
Economic and Ethnobotanical Uses of Cyclamen
- The Greek doctor and botanist, Dioscorides, documented several medical uses for cyclamen that include its use as a purgative, to speed the delivery of babies, to cause abortions, to make hair re-grow, and as an amorous medicine which caused the person taking it to fall violently in love. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, described how cyclamen tubers and roots were used to poiso…
Cyclamen Morphology
- Cyclamenare tuberous, herbaceous, perennials that grow from either flattened, pancake-like or round tubers...depending on the species. The tuber grows just beneath the soil surface or, in some cases, on top of it. The tubers start out quite small but get wider with age, sometimes exceeding 6" in width and very old tubers can reach the size of a dinner plate. A well-tended cycl…
Cyclamen Taxonomy
- There are 23 species currently recognized in the genus Cyclamen, which is in currently in the family Primulaceae. Its first cousin genera include primula, dodecatheon, and lysimachia. There have been recent suggestions that the genus cyclamen should be moved into the family Myrsinaceae, but that taxonomic battle continues. Many catalogs and books list virtually each s…
Cyclamen Breeding Programs
- Since the early 1800s most cyclamen breeding has focused primarily on the florist cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum. Breeding has greatly increased the overall plant size and broadened the flower color and form. Breeders also removed the summer dormancy period of the florist cyclamen, which greatly decreased the production time but made the plant less adaptable to out…
How to Grow Cyclamen in The Garden
- Hardy Cyclamen are small plants which like to be planted under trees and shrubs. Cyclamen are easily covered up and out-competed by spreading perennials, so their best companions are small clumping plants such as anemone, buttercup (ranunculus), chionodoxa, crocus, scilla, galanthus, eranthis, primula, and small ferns and hostas. Reseeding perennials like helleborus can eventual…
How to Propagate Cyclamen
- Reportedly, cyclamentubers may be divided like potatoes during their dormant period. Each cut section must contain at least one growing point (eye) on the top and one root bud (initial) on the bottom. The cut tubers should be dried for a few days and dusted with fungicide prior to planting. The tubers desiccate quickly, so division can be tricky. We have not personally tried this techniq…
List of Cyclamen Species and Hybrids
- Cyclamen africanum grows in scrub and rocky gullies in northern Algeria and Tunisia. It is very closely related to Cyclamen hederifolium, and will interbreed with it. There are diploid (2n=34) and tetraploid (2n=68) forms, both vigorous plants with large coarse, bright green, leathery leaves. Leaf patterns are generally less distinct than in many other species although "silver" leafedform…
List of Cyclamen Hybrids
- Cyclamen do not hybridize in the wild. In cultivation, they cross only with some difficulty because most species have different chromosome numbers. There are only 7 registered hybrids with 4 or 5 more putative crosses that have not yet been registered. Their traits are usually intermediate between the parents unless otherwise noted. Cyclamen x drydeniae(Cyclamen coum x Cyclame…