Vibrant ballerina-like flowers and intriguing foliage make cyclamen a popular choice among avid gardeners and homeowners. This tuberous perennial can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in rockeries and woodland gardens. Plants begin actively growing in fall, going dormant during warm summer months.
Cyclamen grows from a flat disc-shaped bulb, which is also called a tuber. It is a cool-weather perennial.
Upright mounding or spreading habit, 2 to 16 inches tall and 4 to 16 inches wide
Cyclamen flowers have five curved petals that rise up and can be white, pink, purple, salmon, red, or a mix of the two colors. They have a light scent. Blooms are borne singularly on slender flower stems that rise above compact clumps of foliage.
Leaves can be heart-shaped, ivy-shaped, triangular, or round, and they can be green, silver, or white, with solid colors or patterns. Leaf undersides can be green or purple.
Cyclamen has poisonous saponins that are found in the whole plant but are more concentrated in the bulbs. These saponins can cause mild to severe symptoms.
Cyclamen are charming flowering plants that make a gorgeous addition to any home or garden. With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, it’s no wonder cyclamen pictures are so popular online. In this article, we’ll look at some beautiful pictures of cyclamen plants and discuss how to grow these delightful flowers yourself
An Overview of Cyclamen
Cyclamen are tuberous perennials, meaning they grow from a bulb-like structure called a tuber. There are around 20 different cyclamen species, but some of the most popular include:
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Cyclamen persicum – The florist’s cyclamen often sold as a houseplant. It has large, showy blooms in shades of white pink red, or purple.
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Cyclamen hederifolium – Also called ivy-leaved cyclamen. It has delicate pink flowers and ivy-shaped leaves.
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Cyclamen coum – Known as Eastern cyclamen. It has petite pink or purple blooms and blooms in winter.
Most cyclamen bloom during the cooler months, going dormant in summer. The blooms rise above a mound of attractive foliage in heart, ivy, or round shapes. Cyclamen look beautiful in rock gardens, woodland settings, containers, and as houseplants.
Beautiful Cyclamen Flower Pictures
Here are some stunning pictures of cyclamen flowers
![Red and pink cyclamen flowers][]
The vibrant pinks and reds of these cyclamen blooms are simply striking. Cyclamen flowers come in a diverse range of hues from pure white to deep purple, but these rich pinks and reds are especially eye-catching. ![Pink cyclamen in bloom][]
The delicate swept-back form of cyclamen flowers is on full display in this closeup image. The soft pink color is very subtle and feminine.![Purple and white cyclamen][]
The bicolor purple and white pattern on these blooms is quite striking. This type of color variegation occurs naturally in some cyclamen species and cultivated varieties.
Pictures of Cyclamen Foliage and Plants
Of course, cyclamen are prized not only for their flowers but also for their beautiful and varied foliage:![Silvery cyclamen foliage][]
Many cyclamen feature stunning silver, green, or variegated foliage like that seen here. The foliage provides great contrast to the brightly colored blooms.![Potted cyclamen plant][]
This is a classic look for cyclamen – a single plant thriving in a pot with flowers and foliage on full display. Cyclamen make fantastic potted plants for indoor enjoyment.![Cyclamen garden][]
Hardy cyclamen species thrive in outdoor garden settings, especially woodland gardens where they grow naturally beneath trees. The flowers and foliage combine to create a magical effect.
Growing Cyclamen Yourself
If these photos have inspired you to grow cyclamen yourself, here are a few key tips:
- For indoor potted cyclamen, provide bright indirect light and cooler temperatures between 50-70°F.
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out some between waterings.
- Outdoor hardy cyclamen prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant tubers just below the soil surface.
- Give indoor and outdoor plants a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content every few weeks.
- Let plants go dormant in summer by stopping watering and allowing foliage to die back.
With proper care, cyclamen are sure to reward you with their captivating flowers and foliage. Keep these stunning cyclamen pictures in mind as motivation for growing your own!
cyclamen: 29
flower: 10
foliage: 5
plant: 7
bloom: 6
pink: 4
purple: 3
red: 2
white: 2
pot: 2
grow: 2
For more on how to plant bulbs or tubers:
Cyclamen prefers cooler temperatures between 50-70 degrees F. Keep houseplants out of extreme heat or drafts. If temperatures are too high, flower buds will fail to develop and plants will go dormant prematurely. Place pots on trays filled with water and pebbles to increase air humidity.
Cyclamen prefer moderate water and are somewhat drought-tolerant when naturalized in the garden. Allow to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause bulb rot. Cease watering when plants go dormant. For houseplants, avoid splashing the leaves or crown to prevent rot.
Provide amended, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6. 0 and 7. 0. Plants can tolerate a variety of soil conditions as long as there is good drainage. Amend heavier soils with organic material to improve drainage. Houseplants can be grown in a high quality all-purpose potting mix.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom, and remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Clean up any leaf debris once plants go dormant. For indoor houseplants, store dormant bulbs in a cool, dark place. Lightly water or mist if needed to prevent bulbs from becoming too dry. Resume watering in late summer or early fall and begin fertilizing when new growth appears. Move plants into bright indirect light. Outdoor hardy varieties need no special care.
Potted cyclamen can be treated as annuals or regrown the following season. Repot every two years during summer when plants are dormant. Use fresh potting soil and a slightly larger pot than the previous one. Place the bulb so the top is sticking slightly out of the soil.
Hardy cyclamen planted in well-amended soil need little to no supplemental fertilizer. For indoor houseplants, fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks. Apply a water soluble fertilizer with a lower nitrogen number at half strength. Too much nitrogen will promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Cease fertilizing when plants begin dormancy.
When planted in the right conditions, they have few insect or disease problems. Pests include cyclamen mites, aphids, leaf roller, nematodes, and thrips. Diseases include bacterial soft rot, botrytis, fusarium wilt, root rot, and leaf spot.
Native to the Mediterranean region, there are over 20 Cyclamen species. You can find Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), which is also called florist’s cyclamen, in garden centers and grocery stores around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. In the garden, hardy types like Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium make it look nice from fall to early spring, when not much else is in bloom. Swipe to view slides.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Persian Cyclamen C. persicum
It grows in zones 9–11 and is 12 to 14 inches tall and wide. It has an upright, mounding habit and blooms from fall to early spring. The flowers are purple, lilac, red, pink, salmon, or white, and the leaves are silver and green.
Large showy flowers complement the attractive, intricately patterned foliage. Somewhat cold tolerant; can be grown outdoors in frost-free regions.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Persian Violet C. coum
Zones 4–8: Low-spreading plant that grows 3–4 inches tall and 8–12 inches wide in partial to full shade. Blooms in winter to early spring; flowers are pink, white, or purple; leaves are silver and green.
Also known as eastern or winter cyclamen, this is among the hardiest species. Attractive heart-shaped leaves start growing in fall, followed by petite flowers in late winter. Readily self-sows and multiplies.
Photo by: Rob Lavers / Shutterstock
Ivy-leaved Cyclamen C. hederifolium
In zones 5–9, it grows to be 4 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide. It has a low spreading habit and blooms from late summer to fall. Its leaves are green and silver and have pink flowers.
Flowers emerge early to mid-fall, followed by ivy-shaped foliage. Self-seeds and naturalizes readily.
Photo by: Luziana5588 / Shutterstock
Alpine Cyclamen C. alpinum
Zones: 7–9 Height and spread: Forms a tight mound, 4 inches tall and wide. Light: Some to full shade. Blooms: Winter to early spring. Colors: Pink or white flowers, green and silver leaves.
Unique flowers with twisted petals that lay flat with a propeller-like appearance. Grows well in pots.
Photo by: Matt Hopkins / Shutterstock
Cilician Cyclamen C. cilicium
Zones 5–9: 3–6 inches tall and 7–8 inches wide; spreads out compactly; grows in partial to full shade; blooms in the fall; leaves are green and silver with pink or white flowers.
This smaller species has delicate honey-scented flowers with deeply curved petals and broad heart-shaped leaves. Self-seeds and multiplies through tubers, creating small colonies.
Photo by: CoinUp / Shutterstock
Greek Cyclamen C. graecum
Zones: 7–9 Height and spread: 4–5 inches tall and 4–12 inches wide; spreads out compactly; some to full shade. Blooms in the fall; leaves are green, silver, and purple. Flowers: pink, purple, or white.
Fragrant flowers appear before the leaves, which have purple undersides—considered some of the most striking of all cyclamen. Can be more challenging to grow than other species.
Good substitutes for cyclamen include spring- or fall-blooming crocus, species tulips, and snowdrops.
Are cyclamen deer resistant?
Cyclamen is considered deer-resistant, though may be susceptible to deer browsing if other food sources are scarce.
Photo by: Anna Kepa / Shutterstock
Indoor plants can be purchased in fall or winter. Plant tubers outdoors in late summer or early fall.
Place indoor potted plants in a window that receives bright indirect light. Plant outdoor bulbs in a site with well-draining soil that receives part to full shade.
Hardy cyclamen looks best when bulbs are grouped together. Loosen soil in planting area and amend with compost or decomposed leaf clippings. Place bulbs so the top is just below the soil surface and space 6 inches apart.
Cyclamen care – Y Garden
FAQ
How long do potted cyclamen last?
Do cyclamen like sun or shade?
Do cyclamen come back every year?
Where can I find Cyclamen stock photos?
Browse Getty Images’ premium collection of high-quality, authentic Cyclamen stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Cyclamen stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and formats to fit your needs.
Is Cyclamen a perennial?
Cyclamen spp. Cyclamen is a cool weather perennial grown from a flat disc-like bulb, which is also referred to as a tuber. Persian cyclamen is hardy in zones 9-11, while hardy species can grow in zones 4-9. Upright mounding or spreading habit, 2 to 16 inches tall and 4 to 16 inches wide Bright indirect light indoors; partial to full shade outdoors
What climate do cyclamen plants like?
Cyclamen plants don’t like extreme heat, drafts, or dry air. They do best in a climate that replicates their native environment, preferring temperatures between 40°F and 50°F at night and between 60°F and 70°F during the day. High humidity, especially during the winter, is crucial.
What does Cyclamen coum look like?
Cyclamen coum (Eastern sowbread) Origin: Eastern Mediterranean from Greece to the Caucasus. Characteristics: Flowers are smaller, in shades of magenta, pink, or white, blooming in winter or early spring. Leaves: Round or kidney-shaped, often with silver markings. Notes: Hardy and suitable for outdoor planting in many regions.
What colors do cyclamen flowers come in?
They come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, and even some shades of purple. The center of the flower often has a darker blotch or pattern, which can contrast beautifully with the petal color. Cyclamen are grown as houseplants or in shaded garden areas where they can thrive in cooler conditions.
How do you grow Cyclamen?
Cyclamen prefers to grow in organically rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic soil pH. For container plants, you can use regular potting mix but then mix some sphagnum peat into the soil to raise the acidity. When leaves are present, the plant is actively growing.