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Cyclamen hederifolium
ivy-leaved cyclamen
Southern Europe and western Asia — Mediterranean basin from France to Turkey; deciduous woodlands, rocky slopes, and at the base of old wallsLearn more
Overview
Cyclamen hederifolium is ivy-leaved cyclamen (hardy cyclamen), a tuberous perennial growing 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall and 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) wide. Pale to deep pink or white flowers with reflexed pointed petals 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) and a magenta basal blotch in August-November (10 weeks). Deep green to silver ivy-shaped leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with uniquely patterned silver markings — no two plants are identical. Foliage emerges after or with the flowers in fall and persists through winter — summer-dormant. In Primulaceae. Hederifolium = ivy-leaved. Native to the Mediterranean basin. The most widely planted hardy cyclamen. Tuber grows from the top surface (roots from top and sides). Over decades, tubers reach 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in diameter. Self-sows freely via ant dispersal (myrmecochory). Distinguished from C. coum by ivy-lobed leaves (not rounded) and longer pointed petals. Fall-blooming (vs. C. coum in late winter). Drought-tolerant during summer dormancy. Toxic to cats and dogs (saponins). Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow but very long-lived.
Native Range
Native to southern Europe and western Asia — Mediterranean basin from France to Turkey. Found in deciduous woodlands, rocky slopes, and at the base of old walls.Suggested Uses
Grown under deciduous trees, in dry shade, woodland gardens, at the base of walls, and in containers of at least 1 gallon (3.8 L), spaced 6-9 inches (15-23 cm). Fall flowers. Silver-patterned winter foliage. Self-sows. Very long-lived. Toxic to pets. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 9"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Late summer to fall (August-November). Pale to deep pink or white reflexed flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) with magenta basal blotch. 10 weeks. Bee-visited. Ant-dispersed seed. Foliage follows or accompanies the flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale to deep pink or white with a darker magenta basal blotch (nose), reflexed (swept-back) pointed petals, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm); longer and more pointed petals than C. coumFoliage Description
Deep green to silver or silver-marbled green with ivy-shaped (hastate) lobing, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); each tuber produces uniquely patterned foliage — no two plants are identical; foliage emerges after or with the flowers in fall and persists through winter and spring — dormant in summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-4 hours — under deciduous trees). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Plant tubers just below the soil surface with the concave side up. Summer-dormant. Drought-tolerant during dormancy. Self-sows freely. Tubers persist for decades. Toxic to pets (saponins). Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.Pruning
No pruning needed. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally in late spring (June). Do not disturb tubers during summer dormancy. Self-sown seedlings can be transplanted when dormant.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons