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Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Cyclamens
Cyclamen are a genus of plants belonging to the family of Primulaceae or the primrose family. Cyclamen have the image of being a tender houseplant, and indeed there are some species which will not tolerate any frost. However, there are a number of Cyclament bulbs which are hardy to -10 or -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them appropriate for nearly all areas of the U.S.:
- Cyclamen coum bloom in winter to early spring, producing lovely white, pink, or crimson flowers. Native to the Caucasus region.
- Cyclamen hederifolium is native to Asia Minor and southern Europe. This species flowers in late summer and fall, producing white or pink blossoms with dark centers.
- Cyclamen pseudibericum is also native to Asia Minor, and produces two-toned flowers in shades of crimson or purple with white edges in late winter or early spring.
- Cyclamen purpurascens is a native of the European Alps. This species produces fragrant flowers in shades of rose pink to red with deeper blotches. Native to the European Alps.
These cyclamens are often referred to as miniatures, especially when compared to the hothouse versions you see in florist shops. Hardy cyclamen bulbs produce small-flowered plants of only 4-5 inches in height, making them ideal for rock gardens or garden borders.
Planting Cyclamen Bulbs
Unlike other spring-flowering bulbs, cyclamen do best in light shade, although they share other spring bulbs' affinity for well-drained soil enriched with compost. If your soil is too wet, mix some sand as well as peat moss or compost into it.
Choose a spot for your cyclamen where they will be protected from hot sun and severe exposure, such as under trees or shrubs, or on a sheltered side of a house, or a rock garden if you have one.
Cyclamen bulbs should be planted quite shallowly - 1/2 an inch will suffice - and spaced from 4 to 6 inches apart. Plant the bulbs during their dormant season, or after flowering if you are transplanting from pots (many nurseries stock the bulbs already planted in pots).
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