Cyclamen hederifolium
Garden Plant Information

Cyclamen hederifolium

 

Name

Cyclamen hederifolium (also called ivy-leaved cyclamen)

Genus  

Cyclamen

Species

hederifolium

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Hardy, tuberous perennial grown for flowers in autumn and marbled green-silver leaves. Makes excellent ground cover in shady areas under trees.

Season of interest

Autumn and early winter.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit – low growing, forming neat spreading clumps. H: 12cm S: 15cm

  2. Stems – round, pale pinkish-brown.

  3. Leaves – rounded heart-shape, often lightly toothed and slightly lobed in a similar way to an ivy leaf (hence the name ‘hederifolium’ meaning 'ivy-leaved'), silvery markings on a dark green background and usually dark pink/purple underneath.

  4. Flowers – nodding pink/carmine/white flowers held above the leaves on slender stems. Petals are reflexed and twisted. Flowers are sometimes scented.

Cultural details

Aspect

Does best in shade.

Soil

Moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid summer wetness by planting under tall shrubs or trees.

Hardiness

Fully hardy.

Maintenance

Mulch with leaf mould in spring when leaves die back. Vine weevils may be a problem in pot grown specimens.

Propagation

Sow fresh seed as soon as it ripens in summer, or plant tubers 3-5cm deep in fertile humus-rich soil.