Cyclamen hederifolium (also called ivy-leaved cyclamen)
Cyclamen
hederifolium
Hardy, tuberous perennial grown for flowers in autumn and marbled green-silver leaves. Makes excellent ground cover in shady areas under trees.
Autumn and early winter.
Habit – low growing, forming neat spreading clumps. H: 12cm S: 15cm
Stems – round, pale pinkish-brown.
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.
Flowers – nodding pink/carmine/white flowers held above the leaves on slender stems. Petals are reflexed and twisted. Flowers are sometimes scented.
Does best in shade.
Moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid summer wetness by planting under tall shrubs or trees.
Fully hardy.
Mulch with leaf mould in spring when leaves die back. Vine weevils may be a problem in pot grown specimens.
Sow fresh seed as soon as it ripens in summer, or plant tubers 3-5cm deep in fertile humus-rich soil.
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