Landscape Ideas from Me

Cyclamen

Cyclamen
A genus of low growing, tuberous perennials for moist temperate and tropical climates. Propagation is from seed soaked in water for 12 + hours then sown in a cold frame during autumn. Keep the seeds dark until they germinate.
If purchases as tubers, they can be planted in the landscape 3 inches deep while dormant. Squirrels and mice may dig up and eat the tubers...wise mesh can be places on top of the soil to prevent that.

For more info on the Cyclamens...check out this excellent external website

http://www.cyclamen.org

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on Mar 2012 in Columbia, MD



Cyclamen coum ( Hardy Cyclamen )
A dwarf perennial, reaching up to 8 ( rarely over 4 ) x 10 ( 3 feet ? ) inches, that is native to eastern Europe ( especially the southern and eastern coasts of the Black Sea ) to northern Iran and as far south as Isreal.
The narrow heart-shaped to rounded leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are green.
The foliage emerges during mid autumn and persists through the winter before going dormant during the spring.
The nodding, white, pink or deep red ( always with purple blotching ) broad-petalled, flowers are borne during early spring though often begins blooming during the winter in mild climates. The flowers often appear through the snow.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 ( tolerating -20 F ) in partial shade on moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. Drought tolerant..they should not be watered during summer while dormant.

* photo taken on Sep 8 in Harford Co, MD
* excellent video found on Youtube


Alba
White flowers, otherwise identical.

var atkinsii
Similar, except with foliage being marbled silver.

Rubrum
Deep pink flowers, otherwise identical.

Cyclamen hederifolium ( Neapolitain Cyclamen )
Also called Cyclamen neapolitanum or Hardy Cyclamen. A fast spreading perennial, forming a clump up to 8 inches x 3 feet, that is native to southern Europe. The tubers eventually grow very large. They are great for combining with shrubs and hostas in the shade garden.
The cordate, very broad-ovate leaves are up to 6 inches in length.
The often lobed, Ivy-like foliage is marbled with silver. The foliage persists all winter but typically goes dormant during summer.
The very profuse, rose-pink flowers are borne late summer to early winter.
A single plant may bear up to 50 flowers at a time.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( 4 on protected sites ) in partial shade. They do not enjoy to be irrigated while dormant during summer. Propagation is from seed and they often self seed.

* photo taken on Dec 4 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 23 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Nov 22 2013 in Columbia, MD


Album
White flowers, otherwise similar.

Pure Silver-Leaf
Foliage nearly entirely silver with a few green markings.

White Cloud
Intensely silver leaves. White flowers.

Cyclamen persica
Leaves up to 6 inches in length.

* photos taken on Jan 16 2013

Cyclamen repandum

* excellent photo link found on internet
http://plants.nature4stock.com/?page_id=987