Cyclamen hederifolium Silver-leaved Group

RHS Plant Profile
ivy-leaved cyclamen Silver-leaved Group

Synonyms

Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf'
Cyclamen hederifolium silver-leaved

Bulbs

Silver-leaved Group are low-growing perennials producing small pink flowers with swept back petals from late summer to mid autumn, and roughly-ivy-shaped, silvery-grey leaves with variable, dark green markings from early autumn to mid-spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant near the surface in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid excessive summer moisture and mulch well when leaves wither. Tolerates dry soil under trees. 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. Seedlings may vary, so select those with the best colour

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mice, squirrels and vine weevil

Diseases

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