Cyclamen -
These pages feature the individual Cyclamen species. The pot or "Florist's
Cyclamen" are forms of Cyclamen persicum. However, I prefer the wild plants
which are actually easier to grow. The Cyclamen species are very beautiful and
rewarding to grow. Their flower shape varies from the cheeky dumpy form of
Cyclamen coum to the elegant and graceful Cyclamen persicum, with colours from
pure white, through delicate pinks to cheerful dead of winter brightening
magentas. Many have exquisite scent and when out of flower look attractive with
leaves boldly marked with silver and every imaginable shade of green.
Here in the UK, Cyclamen hederifolium,
C.purpurascens, C.cilicium and C.coum are hardy and easy to grow in the garden.
Depending on the district and aspect, others can be tried, like C.libanoticum,
C.intaminatum and C.repandum. Most species are woodland dwellers and appreciate
a little shade.
The less hardy ones can be grown in frames, greenhouses, some species can even
be grown on your kitchen window sill.
There are four main ways you can obtain Cyclamen species plants. The first is as dried, loose, rootless corms. These can usually be seen in Garden Centres and are cheap. Unfortunately some of these may still be wild collected, and many will not grow well, if at all as they have been out of the ground for too long. The second is as loose dormant tubers recently lifted (this will be what you may get from mail order specialist growers). You can also buy potted plants, either in growth or dormant. Cyclamen dislike disturbance and so potted plants are probably the best option for mature plants. The final way is to grow your own from seed, which is probably the most rewarding method. Cyclamen usually flower 3-4 years after germination, but germination often takes one or two years. The advantage of seed is that you get more plants and as Cyclamen are so variable you will get a wonderful mixture. Seed often is the easiest way of getting hold of rare forms.
Species Index - I am updating this section, as I add new pictures and text, most species can found in the old index
