Cyclamen

Most gardeners think of cyclamen as delicate indoor plants, but they occur naturally in harsh, rocky areas in Europe and the Mediterranean. Peter Valder considers Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium to be two of the best wild species.

Plant details

Common names: Cyclamen
Botanic names: Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium. The species name coum is derived from that of the Greek Isle of Kos, the same place that cos lettuce is named afterHederifolium means with leaves like Hedera, a type of ivy.
Description: Cyclamen come from a Mediterranean climate where it rains in the winter but is dry in summer. Their leaves appear in autumn, grow throughout winter and spring and die down again during summer. Cyclamen coum has rounded leaves, grows to about 10cm (4") and flowers in winter and spring. Cyclamen hederifolium is similar in appearance but flowers in autumn.
Best Climate: Cool climate zones of Australia
Best look: With its marbled leaves, Cyclamen hederifolium makes an attractive ground cover.

Good points:

Cyclamen come in a variety of colours, including white, pale pink and rich cerise. Cyclamen will self seed. If given proper care, a pot of miniature cyclamen can become a large patch over several years.

Likes:

a shady spot, for example under a deciduous tree rich organic soil well-drained position

Dislikes:

warm winters disturbance

Getting started:

Tubers of Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium can be purchased from selected nurseries within their best climates zones. For location of nurseries, consult The Aussie Plant Finder 1997-98: South-eastern Australia, Margaret Hibbert (Florilegium, 1997). Rrp $20.

Copyright CTC Productions 2006