Hardy Cyclamen
Cyclamen hederifolium
Family: Primulaceae · Also called Sowbread, Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen, Neapolitan Cyclamen
Powdery & Soft · Autumn bloomer
Hardy cyclamen is an autumn miracle, delicate, swept-back petals in pink, magenta, or white that appear from bare ground beneath trees, followed by beautifully marbled ivy-shaped leaves that carpet the ground through winter. A single tuber can live over 100 years, slowly expanding into colonies of hundreds of flowers.
resignation, goodbye, sincere tenderness
In the Victorian language of flowers, hardy cyclamen means “Sincere tenderness”. The ancient Greeks associated cyclamen with the circle of life (the name derives from 'kyklos,' circle, for the coiling seed stems). In parts of the Mediterranean, cyclamen tubers were used as soap. Wild cyclamen are now protected in many countries as habitat loss threatens populations. In Japan, cyclamen is the most popular potted Christmas gift.
Did You Know?
After pollination, cyclamen seed stems coil into tight spirals, pulling the developing seed pod down to ground level, this protects seeds and places them perfectly for ant dispersal. The tubers grow continuously throughout their lives and ancient specimens can reach dinner-plate size. Some documented tubers are over 130 years old.
Dry woodland floors, under deciduous trees, and rocky slopes with leaf litter
Hardy Cyclamen is native to Mediterranean, Southern Europe. It naturally grows in dry woodland floors, under deciduous trees, and rocky slopes with leaf litter.
Scent Profile
“A soft, violet-like sweetness, not all hardy cyclamen are scented, but some carry a delicate, powdery perfume that drifts close to the ground. You have to kneel to catch it.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCyclamen hederifolium
- FamilyPrimulaceae
- Native ToMediterranean, Southern Europe
- Bloom SeasonAutumn
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The ancient Greeks associated cyclamen with the circle of life (the name derives from 'kyklos,' circle, for the coiling seed stems). In parts of the Mediterranean, cyclamen tubers were used as soap. Wild cyclamen are now protected in many countries as habitat loss threatens populations. In Japan, cyclamen is the most popular potted Christmas gift.