Yes, there are two main types of cyclamen – hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) and florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum). Hardy cyclamen is known for its colourful blooms that come in shades of pink and purple in early or late summer.
This type of cyclamen produces tubers which are fleshy stems that can store energy and moisture and grow back year after year with minimal maintenance. The florist cyclamen, on the other hand, is known for its long-lasting winter blooms with delicate white, pink, and purple flowers.
This type of cyclamen produces non-viable seeds, requiring propagation through division. Both types of cyclamen are typically suitable for any level of gardening experience, making them a popular and easy-to-care-for indoor flowering plant.
How can you tell the difference between indoor and outdoor cyclamen?
There are some key differences between indoor and outdoor cyclamen plants. First, outdoor cyclamen plants typically have larger leaves than their indoor counterparts. They also have lighter colored flowers and darker, glossy foliage.
Outdoor cyclamen are typically evergreen and have hardier stems capable of withstanding cold temperatures, which makes them more suitable for growing in the garden. Additionally, outdoor cyclamen may produce sprays of small fruits and flowers, whereas indoor cyclamen usually only produce one flower each.
Finally, outdoor cyclamen require more watering and care than indoor plants, as they are adapted to surviving in natural weather conditions.
What is the difference between Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium?
Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium are two species of cyclamen, a type of flowering plant native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They are both perennial plants and are grown as ornamental plants in gardens, due to their attractive flowers and attractive heart-shaped leaves.
The main difference between the two is their size, as well as the time of year they bloom.
Cyclamen coum is a smaller type of cyclamen, reaching a height of only 6 inches, with flowers only 1 inch in diameter. Cyclamen coum typically blooms in late winter or early spring and prefers cool conditions, making them suitable for growing indoors as a houseplant.
They also have distinctive marbled foliage with silver markings.
Cyclamen hederifolium, on the other hand, is comparatively larger, growing up to 9 inches tall and with larger, 2-3 inch diameter flowers. This species blooms much later in the spring and prefers warmer conditions, making it suitable for outdoors in zones 6-9.
The leaves of this species are green rather than marbled.
Which cyclamen are perennial?
Cyclamen are a diverse group of flowering plants, with almost 20 different species native to Europe, the Canary Islands, and parts of western Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean. Of these species, eight are perennials, meaning they will flower and produce new foliage year after year, while the remaining are annuals, which will live for just one season before dying off.
The perennial cyclamen species include Cyclamen hederifolium, the northern European native, and Cyclamen purpurascens, which is widespread in the Mediterranean region. Both C. hederifolium and C. purpurascens are hardy perennials with flowers ranging in color from pink to purple.
Other species of perennial cyclamen are Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen repandum, both found in the range from Eastern Europe to the Caucasus, and Cyclamen persicum, which is native to southeastern Asia and was introduced to Europe in the mid-18th century.
All these species thrive in part to full shade, cool temperatures and moist, well-drained soil in areas with low to moderate heat and moderate to high rainfall.
How do you identify a Cyclamen coum?
The Cyclamen coum is an evergreen perennial that is easily recognized by its low-growing nature, heart-shaped leaves and its colorful blooms. The leaves are glossy and often have a cupped or “pleated” shape.
The leaves are arranged in a rosette. The flowers of the Cyclamen coum come in various shades of pink, lavender and white, and have five petals. The flowers are followed by rounded, fleshy fruits that are often deep purple or maroon in color.
The Cyclamen coum favors cool temperatures and will survive cold winter conditions. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, but has become widely naturalized in temperate regions. The Cyclamen coum can also be identified from its scientific name of Cyclamen coum.
Which is the hardiest cyclamen?
The hardiest cyclamen is Cyclamen hederifolium (ivy-leaved cyclamen). It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is a hardy little plant that will produce its pink, white, lavender, or bicolored flowers freely in autumn, winter, and early spring.
The leaves of this species are dark green with scalloped edges. They often have a slightly toothed or shiny appearance. The flowers are borne on upright stems and will often remain open until the petals drop off.
This species spreads by underground tubers and the flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. C. hederifolium can tolerate temperatures down to 15 degrees F and can even survive a mild frost.
With the right conditions, this reliable bloomer is easy to establish and can become a wildflower favorite in many gardens.
Does Cyclamen hederifolium spread?
Yes, Cyclamen hederifolium is an evergreen woodland plant that can spread rapidly due to its spreading roots and production of tubers. It grows mainly in shady areas, with its flowers typically facing upward towards the sunlight, and is often found in grasslands, moist woods, scrub, and rock crevices.
Its root system is rhizomatous and its tuberous roots multiply quickly. Its flowers consist of five petals that are typically pink to reddish-purple in color, and its foliage is dark green with light silver-white marbling.
In the right conditions, given plenty of light, moist soil, and adequate drainage, Cyclamen hederifolium can spread rapidly. It multiplies underground by sending out shoots, and will slowly fill in open areas.
For best results, it should be divided every two to three years to prevent overcrowding and to help keep it healthy.
Is Cyclamen coum invasive?
No, Cyclamen coum is not an invasive plant. It is an heirloom perennial wildflower native to the temperate regions of Europe, where it is found growing naturally in large swathes. It is an evergreen, grown for its long-lasting and colourful flowers, usually pink or white with a lighter reverse.
Cyclamen coum is not considered invasive, even though it can spread quickly with its underground stems. It can be invasive in some areas, especially in warmer climates, where it easily self-seeds and can become naturalised.
However, if regularly maintained and controlled, Cyclamen coum can make a striking addition to a garden, growing well in moist, fertile soil in a sheltered spot in full or partial sun. To help prevent Cyclamen coum from becoming invasive, make sure to deadhead the flowers and remove any seed pods that develop.
What is the lowest temperature cyclamen can tolerate?
Cyclamen are cold-hardy plants that can tolerate temperatures as low as 35°F (1. 7°C). Generally speaking, cyclamen will do well in temperatures that stay between 40–50°F (4. 4–10°C). They’re susceptible to frost, and if the temperature goes below 35°F (1.
7°C), the leaves and flowers will not survive. Even if the plants endure temperatures below 35°F (1. 7°C) for an extended period, they will likely not recover fully, and the leaves and flowers may not appear again until late in the growing season.
For best results, grow cyclamens in temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C) during the growing season, and keep it slightly cooler (no lower than 40°F, or 4°C) during the dormant season. Cyclamens prefer slightly cooler temperatures during the day and warmer temperatures overnight.
Can cyclamen handle frost?
Yes, cyclamen can handle frost, but it does require some additional preparation and care. In cooler climates, cyclamens should be planted in late summer for best results and should be given some protection from the frost.
They should be watered deeply during the summer growing period and should be thinly mulched with a protective material like straw to keep the soil from becoming too dry. During the colder months, they should be watered a little less sparingly and lightly, and then provided with some additional insulation such as evergreen boughs or ferns.
It is also important to remember that cyclamens are very sensitive to the cold, so it’s important to make sure that they are in an area that gets some shelter from the elements and that they are not in direct contact with any hard frost.
Cyclamens also benefit from being planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil and this helps them to better withstand cooler temperatures. Finally, if a plant is looking or feeling a bit wilty, it could be because the soil is too wet or too dry and should be adjusted accordingly.
Will cyclamen survive the winter UK?
Yes, cyclamen can survive the winter season in the United Kingdom. To do this, the plants should be kept in a sheltered area, away from direct exposure to cold winds and frost. Good soil drainage is also important to assist the plant in managing any excess winter moisture.
Additionally, covering the plant with a layer of mulch can provide insulation, helping to reduce the impact of the cold. During periods of extreme cold, cyclamen should be brought indoors or into a greenhouse.
If the plants are kept in a cool area indoors, they need to be watered regularly. In order to prepare the plants for the winter, it is important to protect the roots by providing a frost-proof layer such as a bulb frame, straw or leaves.
Finally, it is important to ensure the soil isn’t left overly wet, as this can cause the roots to rot. If managed correctly, cyclamen can thrive in the UK winters.
How do I know if I have a hardy cyclamen?
You can determine if you have a hardy cyclamen by checking the scientific name. Hardy cyclamens belong to the species Cyclamen hederifolium. If the scientific name of your cyclamen is not Cyclamen hederifolium, then it is not a hardy cyclamen.
If the scientific name of your cyclamen is Cyclamen hederifolium, then you have a hardy cyclamen. Additionally, you can look at the hardiness zone of the plant. Hardy cyclamens will grow in USDA Zones 4-7, so if your plant is growing in one of these zones, then it is likely a hardy cyclamen.
Lastly, you can look at the physical characteristics of the plant. Hardy cyclamens typically have white flowers with darker veining on the petals, heart-shaped leaves, and a distinctive long, tubular shape to the flowers and foliage.
How do you protect cyclamen from frost?
The best way to protect cyclamen from frost is to provide good drainage and protection from harsh winds. If you live in an area prone to frost, it is best to cover the cyclamen plants with a thick layer of straw or burlap to provide extra insulation.
When possible, move pot-grown plants indoors during winter months to a sheltered, bright location in a conservatory, greenhouse or in a south-facing window. If this is not possible, try to keep the staging elevated and cover them on colder nights.
Avoid excessive irrigation during winter months and top-dress plants with organic mulch to help with insulation. Additionally, use cloches or covers designed to fit over plants, keep warm air around them and limit temperature drops when the sun sets.
Which cyclamen flowers in winter?
Cyclamen is a flowering plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family and is native to parts of Europe and the Mediterranean as well as some parts of Asia. The species of cyclamen most commonly recognized for its winter blooming, is the Cyclamen coum, which is native to Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and parts of Russia.
It is a small, but long-lived perennial bulb which can bloom for several months. It bears white, pink, or purple flowers that are often heart-shaped and appear from late October or early November and last until late winter or early spring.
Cyclamen coum is a low-growing creeper and is also quite hardy to withstand even the most severe winter weather. The foliage is typically a dark green, which complements the winter-blooming flowers. The plant is generally very easy to care for, requiring cool and well-drained conditions.
Cyclamen coum is the ideal choice for winter gardens, and provides welcomecolor and texture in the months when most other plants have become dormant.
Can cyclamen stay outside in winter?
No, cyclamen is not a perennial flower in the winters and cannot survive extreme cold weather and frost. In fact, they are very sensitive to the cold and should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Farenheit.
Additionally, cyclamen prefers moist and cool environments, making it difficult to thrive outside in the wintertime. For this reason, it is best to keep your cyclamen indoors in a room temperature environment and to water regularly.
If you must keep your cyclamen outdoors in the winter, you should provide as much shelter and insulation as possible to help protect it from harsh weather conditions. Additionally, use an opaque pot to protect the delicate roots from frost and water the cyclamen regularly.