Cyclamen hederifolium: Hardy Fall-Blooming Cyclamen for Shade

While often grown as a houseplant, Cyclamen hederifolium is a phenomenal hardy perennial for outdoor shade gardens. In fall, its frequently scented, mottled pink or white flowers with swept-back petals (resembling doves in flight) emerge directly from the soil, followed by a carpet of beautifully patterned, silver-marbled leaves that persist all winter. It often blooms for up to two months.

Culture & Establishment

• Soil: Moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained.
• Mulch: Annually with leaf mold as leaves wither; deeper where marginally hardy.
• Water: Do not overwater; tubers prefer dry conditions when dormant.
• Patience: May take a few years to establish, but will eventually self-seed and form colonies.

Propagation & Pests

Sow seed of open-pollinated cultivars in late summer (flowers in ~14 months) or other cultivars late winter to mid-spring (flowers in autumn same year). Mice/squirrels may disturb tubers; under glass, watch for spider mites, vine weevil, cyclamen mite, and gray mold.

At a Glance