Cyclamen rohlfsianum
Libyan cyclamen
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
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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 bulbs, not 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
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