About
Cyclamen cyprium is a compact, tuberous perennial characterized by its heart-shaped foliage. The leaves are deep green, featuring lighter green or silver markings on the upper surface and a dark reddish-purple hue underneath, complete with gently scalloped edges. Foliage typically emerges in late autumn, coinciding with the flowering period. The flowers, which emit a pleasant fragrance, are predominantly white but may also be found in pale pink. Each bloom has elegantly reflexed petals and showcases a magenta blotch at the base.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- 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
- Cyprus
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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
- Grow in a cool glasshouse or bulb-frame in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould, peat substitute and sharp sand. Plant with the tops of the tubers just at the surface. Provide bright, filtered light and moderate humidity. Water moderately when in growth but reduce humidity and water as the leaves fade. Keep completely dry when dormant. Apply a low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two months when in full leaf
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in darkness as soon as ripe. 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