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Cyclamen hederifolium (Baby cyclamen)

Cyclamen hederifolium Photo/Illustration: Susan Roth

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Cyclamen hederifolium SIK-lah-men hed-er-ih-FOE-lee-um Common Name: Baby cyclamen 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.
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 Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Indoor Plant
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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