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Cyclamen hederifolium- origins, habitat, life cycle
There are 20 species of Cyclamen most all are native to the Mediterranean region. Many bloom in Winter and Spring so that by adding other species such as C. purpurascens, coum or repandum the bloom in the garden can be extended. The word "cyclamen" derives from the Greek word kyklamenos which means "circle form" a perfect description of the cyclamen corm. Cyclamen have been in cultivation since Platos time, several hundred years B.C.
Cyclamen hederifolium is probably the widest spread cyclamen specie and the most hardy. It's natural habitat is in woodlands, scrub land (chaparral), and rocky hillsides from sea level to 4,262 ft (1300m). It is well adapted to wet winters and long dry summers.
The hederifolium corm is a very unusual type of plant. The corm is basically a fleshy modified stem that stores water and energy, with roots that grow from around the top. Flowers and leaves form their own stems and grow from the center of the top. Each year new growth expands the size of the corm and it is not unusual to see saucer plate sized corms after six or more years.
Note in the photo that the seed capsule in the upper center has split open and about to release it's seeds. In the upper left there are two baby corms pushing out of the ground. Click photo for larger image.
Cyclamen are propagated only by seed, this may partially account for the plants being free of the virus diseases seen in so many other popular garden plants. C. hederifolium are self-pollinating and set seed easily. The flower stalks curl into a spiral drawing the seed capsule down onto the top of the tuber. When the ripe seed capsule starts to split, the seed can be collected and sown, or can be left for distribution by insects and birds. If left undisturbed they can form a large colony. Though they slowly spread and creep out of their beds they aren't a nuisance plant as it is easy to control their boundaries.
An excellent source for information on cyclamen is the Cyclamen Society They are the International Registration Authority for all of the cyclamen species.
Hardy Cyclamen a Top 10 Plant
Cyclamen hederifolium is in my top ten list of hardy and reliable plants that I count on to perform in my garden without my help. They will surprise you at how well they succeed under difficult conditions, something I learned form my many years as a landscape contractor. I began my acquaintance with hardy cyclamen about 20 years ago, when I obtained a half dozen 10 cm corms from the Edgar Kline Nursery. I planted them in an area of poor soil near some azaleas and rhododendrons. Since then I have been amazed at the performance of their spectacular bloom and almost evergreen foliage with virtually no effort on my part.
Why am I selling hardy cyclamen? As a gardener I have learned to appreciate the wonder of this interesting plant. It has flourished in the most difficult to grow areas of my yard providing long-lasting beauty and interest. I want to share this special plant with other gardeners.Hoping you can find the same joy planting and growing Cyclamen hederifolium that I do.
