About

Cyclamen coum subsp. caucasicum is a perennial plant that grows close to the ground, featuring tuberous roots. Its foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves that are a rich green, often marked with silver patterns, and may have slightly serrated or scalloped margins. The blooms, ranging from pale to deep pink, have petals that arch backward, rising above the leaves during the winter and early spring months.

About the genus

Cyclamen are perennial plants that grow from tubers and feature rounded or occasionally angular foliage, frequently displaying appealing mottled patterns. Their flowers, which are nodding and distinctive in shape, consist of five petals that are reflexed and twisted, often exhibiting dark markings near the base.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

Up to 10 cm

Spread

0-0.1 metre

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Native to

E Turkey N Iran Caucasus

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Plant 5cm deep in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid excessive summer moisture and mulch well when leaves wither. See hardy cyclamen cultivation

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe; exclude light. Can be beneficial to soak seed for 10 hours prior to sowing

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to mice and squirrels

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to cyclamen grey mould, particularly when grown under glass