Cyclamen, Alpine Violet, Persian Violet
Cyclamen hederifolium

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid fall. Form: Rounded.

Cyclamen hederifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from October to June, in flower from July to November, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Shady woodlands, usually on limestone.

S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The fresh rootstock is a drastic purgative. It should be used with extreme caution. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root. It is applied externally to the bowels to cause purging.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

Plants can be used as a ground cover, though they will need to be given a mulch of leaf mould in order to keep the weeds at bay when they are dormant in the summer.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Rock garden. Prefers a cool habitat and a well-drained humus rich soil. Easily grown in a stony leafy soil in sun or shade. Thrives in the light shade of trees. Tolerates a pH between 5.5 and 8. This species is hardy to about -18°c. A very ornamental plant. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Fresh seed germinates in 3 - 6 weeks. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water, sow shallowly and keep in a shady position at 15°c. Germination may be slow and erratic. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in April/May. Very easy, the larger tubers can be planted out straight into their permanent positions whilst it is best to pot up the smaller ones and grow them on for a season before planting them out.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. europaeum. Auct. C. neapolitanum.