A passion for a petite perennial
The Cyclamen Society was founded in 1977 by a group of people with an enduring fascination for these small tuberous perennials.
The Society exits to encourage cultivation and conservation, and to disseminate and extend knowledge of the genus and its species, forms and cultivars. It combines scientific study with all the activities of a society for enthusiasts who cultivate the plants. Today there are over 1,300 members worldwide, predominantly in Europe though the fastest growing branch of the Society is in Japan.
Chairman Melvyn Jope( picture above) explains, “We cater for all levels, from those with a general interest to those with specialist scientific knowledge. We’re also well known for the quality of our research, with regular field trips to Turkey and Greece to study the plants in their native habitats.”
Field studies help members to learn more about the genus and examine appropriate conservation measures that can be taken to protect the plants. With the approval of their host country and all the relevant customs checks complete, the team usually collects a small number of samples to bring back to the UK for DNA and cytological research.
The Society is also the international Registration Authority for cultivars of all species of Cyclamen except those of C. persicum. Anyone wishing to register a new cultivar can contact them for assistance in formal registration.
The Society holds three shows a year at the RHS Gardens Wisley and one show each September in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.