Cyclamen graecum
Greek cyclamen
A cormous perennial with long, fleshy roots and heart-shaped dark green leaves, variably marked with silver and pale green. The flowers, which appear in autumn just before the leaves, vary from pale to dark pink, with a magenta blotch at the base of each petal
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
- Greece, Cyprus, Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in an unheated greenhouse in bright, filtered light. Use a container deep enough for the fleshy roots, planting the tubers just at the surface in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould, peat substitute and sharp sand
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
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be troubled by cyclamen mite, glasshouse red spider mite, mice and vine weevil
Diseases
Grey moulds can be a problem
Get involved
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