Cyclamen rohlfsianum

RHS Plant Profile
Libyan cyclamen
Bulbs

A tuberous perennial, to around 10cm in height, with heart-shaped to triangular, glossy green leaves, with silvery patterning and strongly scalloped edges. Flowers are pink, and lightly scented, with swept back petals darker pink at the base

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

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
Clump forming
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

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 2 to 2.5cm deep or with the tops of the tubers just at the soil surface. Site in bright filtered light and provide 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

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mice and squirrels

Diseases

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