Cyclamen
Hardy Cyclamen
One of the easiest and showiest Cyclamen species for the garden, the hederifolium have marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms that make an inviting ground-level attraction beneath a mature deciduous tree. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms composed of five reflexing petals emerge. As the downward-facing flowers fade and seeds form, spent stems spiral earthward, thus earning its Greek derivation from cyclo or circle.
Clusters of overlapping, 4 to 6 in. heart-shaped lustrous leaves, each intricately etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Provide the following cultural requirements: good drainage, protection from the sun, a lime amendment, minimal summer water, and a deep planting where winters are cold; you’ll be rewarded with a happy stand of these garden gems.
A joy in their own right, copious rounded shiny dark green leaves embellished with intricate silver markings make a lovely fall and wintertime display. Lolling on slender stems, a colorful flood of enchanting blooms ranging from soft pinks to rich carmine shades add further enticements. This long-lived AGM-winning perennial is undaunted by dry shade, appreciates an annual mulch and spreads slowly to form a substantial clump.
Blooms February–March
Size: 4" – 6" high x 8" – 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
With dainty pink blooms poised above, a silver effulgence splashes across the surface of each polished, prominently veined leaf in a unique fashion, sometimes concealing any sign of greenery, while rich wine hues warm the undersides. Place ‘Silver Leaf Pink’ beneath Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’ to enhance the elegant frosty display.
Blooms January–February
Size: 6" – 8" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
The pristine white nodding flowers gracing this hederifolium cultivar show like comets against the deep green and very decoratively patterned foliage. ‘White Pearls’ serves as a clean and classy understory for Carpenteria ‘Elizabeth’
Blooms October–November.
Size: 6" – 8" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
Prized for its fragrant dark purplish pink flowers, this variable widely dispersed European denizen hosts a gleaming bed of round silver patterned leaves with violet-imbued undersides. Cyclamen purpurascens adores moderately moist well-drained sites plus deciduous leaf litter, especially from Beech trees, and imparts endearing summer color to a woodland setting.
Blooms June–September
Size: 2" – 4" high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.