Baby cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) SIK-lah-men hed-er-ih-FOE-lee-um Synonyms:  Cyclamen neapolitanum Genus:  Cyclamen A fine plant for fall, this cyclamen's frequently scented, mottled flowers emerge directly from the soil, followed by a carpet of patterned, mid- to dark green leaves attractively variegated with patterns in white or silver. It often blooms for up to two months. Each small pink or white flower has swept-back petals resembling a dove in flight, marked with maroon at the mouth. It makes a good foliage display all winter after the flowers have faded. Noteworthy Characteristics:  A common houseplant, this hardy species is phenomenal when planted outdoors. Care:  Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Mulch annually with leaf mold as leaves wither, mulching deeper where marginally hardy. Do not overwater; the tubers prefer it dry when dormant. May take a few years to establish, but will eventually self-seed and become abundant. Propagation:  Sow seed of open-pollinated cultivars in late summer to flower in about 14 months. Sow seed from other cultivars from late winter to mid-spring to flower in autumn of the same year. Problems:  Mice or squirrels may be a problem. Prone to spider mites, vine weevil, cyclamen mite, and gray mold (Botrytis) under glass.

Overview

Height Less than 6 in. Light Part Shade Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Fall, Late Fall Flower Color Pink, Purple, White Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Indoor Plant Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Fall Interest Type Perennials