Overview

Cyclamen cilicium is a plant with a tufted habit in the genus Cyclamen, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cyclamen cilicium grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, patio and container plants and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Cyclamen cilicium is a tufted, deciduous perennial in the Primulaceae that produces a flush of flowers in autumn and winter. It favours partial shade and a sheltered site with well-drained, neutral loam. The plant suits confined spaces such as containers as well as rock gardens and underplanting beneath shrubs. Flowering occurs in October–December and January–April, providing colour when many perennials are dormant.

About the genus

Cyclamen is a genus of 25 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. In English, it is known by the common name sowbread, or, by the genus name as cyclamen. The species are native to Europe and the Mediterranean Basin east to the Caucasus and Iran, with one species in Somalia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cyclamen", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cyclamen

In the garden

Cyclamen cilicium is a tufted, deciduous perennial in the Primulaceae grown for its autumn–winter flowering habit. It performs best in partial shade, in loam of neutral pH that drains freely; exposure should be sheltered from strong winds. The official UK hardiness rating is H5, described simply as hardy, so it will tolerate typical garden conditions in many parts of the country when sited in a protected spot. Plant into a firm, well-drained planting medium and avoid waterlogged situations; neutral loam is the recommended soil type. A site that receives dappled light or afternoon shade is preferable, and it will grow on north-, east-, south- or west-facing aspects provided it is sheltered. In pots, ensure good drainage and position where winter blooms can be appreciated close to the house or on a patio. Use Cyclamen cilicium in a rock garden, as a patio or container specimen, or for underplanting roses and shrubs where its seasonal flowers can appear beneath bare branches. Expect flowering in October–December and again January–April, so plan planting and companion species to reveal those blooms during the cooler months.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cyclamen

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Cyclamen cilicium size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Tufted

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cyclamen cilicium

Propagation

Seed sown in darkness as soon as ripe; soaking seed for 10 hours prior to sowing can be beneficial

Pest resistance

Mice, Squirrels, Vine weevil

Disease resistance

Cyclamen grey mould, particularly when grown under glass

Frequently asked questions