Types of cyclamens: varieties for the home & garden bed
The flowers of the perennial cyclamen offer beauty both indoors and outdoors during the winter months. But how do the varieties differ according to where you plant them?
The diversity of cyclamen (Cyclamen) does not stop with pink-flowering houseplants on grandma’s kitchen windowsill. Depending on the species, this flowering plant of the primrose family (Primulaceae) offers a variety of flowering times throughout the year, making them suitable for planting both indoors and outdoors. There are about 22 species of cyclamen with flowers in every colour imaginable, from white to purple, orange to red and even multicoloured. It really is worth taking a closer look.
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Types of cyclamens
Depending on the species of cyclamen, it is important to note the individual care requirements. Here is a guide to some of the more common cyclamen varieties:
Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium)
- Commonly known as ivy-leaved cyclamen or sow bread
- Flowering period: autumn to winter
- Region: Northern Mediterranean region
- Fully hardy leaves are retained in winter
Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
- Flowering time: winter to spring
- Region: Eastern Mediterranean region
- Not hardy, leaves retract in winter
Purple cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens)
- Flowering time: mid-summer into autumn
- Region: Southern Alps, Eastern Alps to the Balkans
- Fully hardy; almost simultaneous death and regrowth of leaves
Eastern cyclamen (Cyclamen coum)
- Flowering time: late winter into early spring
- Region: West Asia
- Fully hardy; leaves appear in autumn
Wavy-edged cyclamen (Cyclamen repandum)
- Flowering time: spring
- Region: Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
- Not hardy
Cyclamen as a houseplant
For indoor growing, the most suitable are the non-hardy species such as the Persian cyclamen. When growing cyclamen at home, pay particular attention to the temperature, as the plants do not like too much heat. Here are the conditions under which your cyclamen will feel at home and bloom to its fullest:
- Temperature: 12 – 15 °C
- Location: bright, no direct sun
- Soil: well–drained potting soil
- Pot with drainage hole
An ideal location would be a bright area, with minimal heat exposure, for example, a cool stairwell or side room. For unheated rooms, make sure that the temperatures do not fluctuate too much. A well-drained soil combined with the right pot is essential for your cyclamen to stay healthy in the pot for a long time. The plants are sensitive to waterlogging and need to be watered tentatively. Find out more on how to water cyclamen correctly here.
Cyclamen outdoors
All hardy species are suitable for planting in the garden. When planted in the right location, cyclamen will continue to reproduce, forming clusters and flowers in a variety of colours every year. Keep in mind when planting cyclamen outdoors:
- Location: shady to semi-shady
- Soil: humus–rich soil – can be improved with our Plantura Organic Flower Compost
Cyclamen grows well planted under hedges and as a gap filler between taller perennials. Find out more information on how to care for cyclamen and common pests and diseases in our dedicated article.
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Successfully overwintering cyclamen in the garden
It is important to overwinter cyclamen that has been planted outdoors, whether in a pot or garden bed. Relocate potted cyclamen to a sheltered area and for cyclamen planted in a garden bed add a layer of brushwood.
