Cyclamen hederifolium

Cyclamen hederifolium, the ivy-leaved cyclamen or sowbread, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. This widespread cyclamen species is widely cultivated and among the most hardy and vigorous in oceanic climates. It is native to woodland, shrubland, and rocky areas in the Mediterranean region from southern France to western Turkey and on Mediterranean islands, and naturalized farther north in Europe and in the Pacific Northwest.

💡 Cyclamens have been admired by many renowned leaders and artists throughout history. Leonardo da Vinci, for example, had a fondness for cyclamen species and often adorned the margins of his notebooks with their illustrations. Flemish painters also depicted cyclamens, such as the ivy-leaved variety, in meadows portrayed as places where Jesus Christ once walked. Additionally, King Louis XIV chose to include cyclamens in the gardens of the famous Palace of Versailles.

🌳 The ivy-leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is a perennial plant that appeals to gardeners with its vibrant pink flowers and evergreen leaves, which provide color through the winter months. This plant thrives in mass plantings, especially in partially shaded areas under or in front of trees and shrubs. It's also a great choice for rock gardens due to its tolerance for dry soils. Ivy-leaved cyclamen pairs beautifully with snowdrops, trilliums, and ferns.

🎭 Tenderness, sincerity, lasting feelings, empathy, love for our ancestors

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial, Annual

Genus

Cyclamen

Family

Primulaceae

Hardiness Zone

8-10

Mature Height

15 cm to 32 cm

Mature Spread

15 cm to 23 cm

Leaf Color

Green, Silver, Variegated, Gray

Leaf Type

Evergreen, Deciduous

Flower Color

Pink, White, Red

Flower Size

5.08 cm

Bloom Time

Early spring, Mid spring, Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Winter

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn, Winter

Harvest Time

Spring, Late summer, Fall, Winter

Native Area

Turkey, Tunisia, Cyprus, Algeria, Greece, Lebanon

Tags (14)

Common Names (8)