Cyclamen
This tuberous bulb has become the darling of florists!
This tuberous bulb has become the darling of florists with large nodding flowers, recessed petals, blooming pure white, or pink of every hue, even deep red. Developed by hybridizers, this steroidal Cyclamen does not hold a candle to the many dainty species found in the Mediterranean region. As early as August the basal leaves appear under our tender species Rhododendrons and by January are completely carpeting the area.
The species growing in the Gardens meld together creating slightly different features. C. coum ‘Alba’ has rounded to heart shaped silvery leaves, edged in green and embellished with a green christmas tree in the center of each leaf. C. pseurdibericum also has a christmas tree patterned leaf but is longer than wide. It’s most disconcerting when the distinctions seem to appear on one plant!
Oh well, the colors are different. C. pseudibericum is magenta, purple or pink with a dark blotch and a white zone at the end of the nose, and wonderfully fragrant.
C. coum ‘Alba’ is a beautiful snow white. Both are blooming now.
The two other species in our garden are easier to distinguish. The twisted petals of C. repandum are quite noticeable even when growing amongst all the other species. C. africanum has large, leathery arrowhead shaped leaves and lovely pale to deep pink blooms before the leaves appear in autumn.
A sight to behold is the four different species planted together providing a tapestry of color and texture.
After blooming, the stems form delightful little coils as the sweet seed develops and then gets distributed by ants underground.
Culturally, Cyclamens prefer limestone, part shade, summer dry, and winter rain, but in our Garden they defy their preferences, growing in acid soil and full shade.
Cyclamen has been used in Homeopathic remedies, treating anemia, vertigo, headaches, depression, and frequent sneezing.
In “White Magic” circles Cyclamen is honored as a plant which brings happiness. I don’t think you need “White Magic” to feel happy while admiring this sweet jewel.
Submitted by:
Lily Ricardi
Gardener