Two species of Hardy Cyclamen fill a void in autumn and late winter garden. Your choices include fall-blooming Ivy-leaf Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) and spring flowering Hardy Cyclamen (C. coum). Leaves of several varieties are splashed with silvery designs. Hardy Cyclamen fill a void in autumn and late winter in a shady woodland garden, I decided to try a different species. Leaves of several varieties are splashed with silvery designs.

These are not the cyclamens you know as florist or house plants (C. persicum). Hardy cyclamen grow to 4-6-inches in height and produce white to varied pink floral shades that are 1-2-inches long with swept-back petals from September to October (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). While the flowers are the main attribute, decorative foliage is up next. Ivy-shaped leaves have dark green centers bordered with lighter green and silver patterns. Plants produce leaves after the flowers. The foliage remains through winter before going dormant in spring.

Punishing heat and drought does not trouble dormant cyclamens in summer. Return of rain and cool temps in late summer into fall awakens these shallow planted tubers. Single white or pink flowers on slender stems push up through the leaves. More and more flowers soon followed.

Hardy cyclamen grow best in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. They prefer dappled to moderate shade, particularly in the afternoon. Hardy cyclamens are generally long-lived and increase in numbers over the years. At first, newly-planted cyclamen generate a few flowers. Over the years, well-established clumps produce lots more.

Plant them in bunches for best show as in dry shade groupings, and in containers, and rock gardens. The colorful tiny cyclamen flowers and patterned leaves have their own charm. Success after a few years is measured when loads of seedlings colonize in a clump.

Cyclamen hederifolium grow well in containers in the garden. Cyclamen tubers are planted shallow – two inches deep and six inches apart in partial shade in well-drained, humus-rich fertile soil. Plants are tolerant of acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soil. Good soil drainage is absolutely essential. Tubers will rot in wet, heavy soil. Moderate shade and long summer dry periods is key to the fact that they need no water in summer. By the time they break dormancy in fall, we’ve entered our rainy season that lasts through spring.

Cyclamens are deer resistant. Be on the lookout for field mice (voles) and squirrels that may be attracted to them. Important Note: plants and tubers may be toxic to cats and dogs.

Availability: check online at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs in Glouchester, VA. Pine Knot Farms in VA, Edgewood Gardens, Exton PA, and Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC. Some are online sales only.