Cyclamen alpinum
alpine cyclamen
A tuberous perennial, to 8cm in height, with rounded leaves, marbled with silver, produced in late winter and early spring. Fragrant flowers, 1.5cm in width, with propeller-like flowers in white and various shades of pink, appear at the same time
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Pink White | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Cyclamen are tuberous perennials with rounded, sometimes angular, leaves which are often attractively mottled. The nodding, characteristically shaped flowers have 5 reflexed and twisted petals, often with dark markings at the base
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Turkey
How to grow
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. See hardy cyclamen cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in darkness as soon as ripe. Can be beneficial to soak seed for 10 hours prior to sowing
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, vine weevil and cyclamen mite under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to cyclamen grey mould, particularly when grown under glass
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