Cyclamen alpinum

RHS Plant Profile
alpine cyclamen

Synonyms

Cyclamen trochopteranthum
Cyclamen coum subsp. alpinum

Alpine Rockery Bulbs

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbsnot to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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