CYCLAMEN

14 comments

There are so many genus’ of plants which I am fascinated by but I have to give a mention to the Cyclamen tribe, as these are one of the first types of plant which got me hooked.

Belonging to the family Primulaceae, they are close relatives of the much loved Primrose and, not surprisingly, as Michael Cain would have said…….

There are said to be 20 species of cyclamen, mostly around the Mediterranean region, from southern Europe to north Africa and east to the Caucasus. By far the most hardy and a great favourite in British gardens, is Cyclamen hederifolium, also known as C. neapolitanum.

The flowers, with their reflexed, slightly twisted petals of white or pale pink to purple, emerge from July to October with the well-marked leaves following the first flowers, and remaining until the following May.

In a part-shaded position in well-drained soil, they should thrive and the corms grow larger each year, producing more and more flowers.

A word of warning though; care should be taken not to plant them too close to other hardy but less vigorous cyclamen, such as C. coum or C. cilicium as these will probably be smothered by C. hederifolium.

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The second picture is of Cyclamen africanum, which is similar in appearance but not fully hardy and less sprawling in habit.
Suitable as a cool greenhouse or windowsill plant; or if you are lucky, a sheltered position in the garden may suffice, as with this one.

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The third pic. is an indoor display, consisting of C. persicum hybrids, Hyacinth and unidentified Cyclamen seedling (poss. c. europeum).

The Cyclamen Society has a very good website on:- http/www/cyclamen.org

28 Dec, 2009
14 likes

Comments

Lujean

this is just beautiful I love these I buy them in the store all the time this look so picture perfect thanks for adding to my list

29 Dec, 2009

Hywel

They always look nice under shrubs. I didn't know there are so many diferent species.

29 Dec, 2009

Bulbaholic

Love the Cyclamen. We have several species in the garden and some of the less hardy ones in the greenhouse.

29 Dec, 2009

Spritzhenry

My hardy ones seem to thrive - I'm trying to get more C. coum established with the snowdrops. I also like to put a few 'bedding' ones in my containers - this year's lot have suffered badly, though!

29 Dec, 2009

Okasia

I also like them - I was so surprised to see how smart they are - curling the stems down to get the seed to the soil - so smart!

29 Dec, 2009

Mavisc52

These do look lovely until now I have only had bedding ones and like Spritzhenry mine have not done so well .

29 Dec, 2009

Terratoonie

Beautiful photo and interesting blog :o)

29 Dec, 2009

Wagger

Beautiful planting - is this a shady area?

29 Dec, 2009

Dawnsaunt

Very nice, I want to get some hardy cyclamen going amongst my trees to give some autumn colour - I think C hederifolium would suit the conditions here.

29 Dec, 2009

Seaburngirl

I just love all of them in door, out door and in the cold unheated outplace.

29 Dec, 2009

Jbardet

Hi Dawnsaunt.
That would be a good choice and an asset to any garden. You could also try C. coum, which flower in the winter.
They like similar conditions but are not as vigorous, so are best planted in their own patch.

29 Dec, 2009