Cyclamen raise their bright heads in the winter and cheer up the dreariest of areas. There are 2 types in flower at this time of year and both are a delight to see.
Cyclamen coum is the hardy Cyclamen that flower at this time of year with its dainty heart-shaped leaves and mixed flowers of light pink to darker pink all with a distinctive dark purple blotch on the base of the petal. The flowers are freely produced from November through to March.
The cold weather does not bother this tough delight. They are very resilient and will flower through the worst that the weather can throw at it and still appear unscathed. According to the RHS it can take temperatures of -180C.
Cyclamen coum are best planted in drifts in well drained soil in dappled shade. They can in fact take quite dry shade and are resistant to the odd nibble from a rabbit.
Bedding Cyclamen are not as hardy and are useful in containers, windowboxes and hanging baskets for winter colour. They tend to come in strong bold single colours and have a slight scent to the flowers which are held on short upright stems.
These are best planted in single colours to create more impact and look excellent when planted with winter flowering pansies, violas and winter interest shrubs such as Skimmia.
