Ivy-leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region from France to Turkey. The ivy-leaved cyclamen is often cultivated in gardens because it is considered the most hardy species of the cyclamens. The Latin name Cyclamen hederifolium means “ivy leaf.”
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Cyclamen hederifolium, the ivy-leaved cyclamen or sowbread, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. 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.
The species name hederifolium comes from the Latin hedera (ivy) and folium (leaf), because of the shape and patterning of the leaves. The older species name, neapolitanum, refers to Naples, where the species grows.
Cyclamen hederifolium is a tuberous perennial that blooms and sprouts leaves in autumn, grows through the winter, and goes dormant before summer, when the seed capsules ripen and open.
Tuber
The tuber is round-flattened and produces roots from the top and sides, leaving the base bare. In the florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), roots come from the bottom, leaving the top and sides bare.
The tuber becomes larger with age; older specimens commonly become more than 25 cm (10 in) across. In other species, tubers do not grow as large; Cyclamen coum usually does not reach more than 6.5 cm (2.6 in) across.
Leaves and flowers grow from buds on the exposed upper surface of the tuber
Leaves
The leaves are variably shaped and colored. Depending on the specimen, leaf shape varies from heart-shaped to long and arrow-shaped, usually with 2-3 angled lobes on each side, resembling the juvenile leaves of ivy (Hedera). Leaf color varies from all-green to all-silver, but the most common is a Christmas tree or hastate pattern in silver or pewter and various shades of green.
The petiole and flower stalks of Cyclamen hederifolium grow outwards and then up, forming an “elbow”. Plants in narrow pots often have a ring of leaves around the outside of the pot. From Latin, ‘hederifolium’ translates to Ivy-like leaves. In the closely related Cyclamen africanum, stalks grow up from the tuber without a bend near the base.
Flowers
The flowers bloom from late summer to autumn and have 5 petals, usually pink, purple, or white with a streaky magenta V-shaped marking on the nose, but sometimes pure white with no markings.
The edges of the petals near the nose of the flower are curved outwards into strong auricles. These are not present in some other species, such as Cyclamen persicum. The flowers are occasionally fragrant. The shape of the flower varies from long and thin to short and squat.
Fruit
After fertilization, the flower stem coils tightly, starting at the end, and rests above the tuber. Seeds are amber, held in a round pod, which opens by 5-10 flaps at maturity.
Cyclamen hederifolium is usually listed as the hardiest species of cyclamen. In oceanic climates, it self-seeds abundantly and will crowd out less vigorous species such as Cyclamen coum if the two are planted together. In cold continental climates such as Calgary, Alberta, where Cyclamen purpurascens grows well, it may not survive. DavesGarden.com lists it as hardy to zone 5a (−20 °F or −29 °C), although hardiness is dependent on presence of snow cover.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017).
II. How to Grow and Care
Ivy-leaved cyclamen thrives in a moderately cool climate with dappled shade, particularly appreciating shelter from intense afternoon sun. Special care includes maintaining moist but well-drained soil, being cautious not to overwater. With its preference for cooler temperatures and moderate moisture, ivy-leaved cyclamen is relatively easy to care for, mainly needing attention during prolonged dry spells or excessive rainfall.
Sunlight
In addition to ensuring that ivy-leaved cyclamen get enough sunlight during growth periods other than during the summer, the recommended daily amount of light is at least 14 hours. During dormancy or when the temperature is high during the summer, ivy-leaved cyclamen should be placed in a shady spot with good ventilation to reduce direct sunlight. Precautions against rain should also be taken.
Temperature
The most suitable temperature for ivy-leaved cyclamen to grow at is 18 to 20 ℃. They are not resistant to high temperatures and may enter dormancy if the temperature reaches 28 ℃. The night-time temperature should not be too much lower and would be better kept at 10 ℃. Even in winter, the temperature should not be allowed to get too low. When forming flower buds, the temperature should be kept at more than 15 ℃. If the temperature is lower than this, the flowers will be pale in color and will wither easily.
Ivy-leaved cyclamen prefers a moist environment to a dry one. However, it is not resistant to water-logging, which must be prevented. Avoid over-watering, but water a little each day to keep the soil slightly wet.
Watering
Thriving in its native Mediterranean forests, ivy-leaved cyclamen is adapted to a seasonal rainfall pattern, preferring well-drained soils and partial shade. It exhibits drought tolerance once established, with a watering regimen of every week to maintain its hydration balance. As an outdoor plant often found in temperate regions, ivy-leaved cyclamen enters dormancy during the summer months; thus, it requires less water during this period to reflect its natural growth cycle.
Soil
Its fleshy stems don’t do well in excessively moist soil, so the soil used for cultivation must be loose and well-drained. Culture soil made up of leaf mold and garden soil in the ratio of 2:1 and a little calcium superphosphate can be used. Mixed peat and perlite in a ratio of 2:1 can also be used. No matter what kind of culture soil is used, it must be disinfected before use, otherwise it may easily get infected.
Fertilizing
For ivy-leaved cyclamen, a balanced fertilizer is ideal during active growth periods. Apply a high phosphorus fertilizer to enhance flowering, every 4-6 weeks in spring and fall. Use a quarter to half the recommended dose to avoid overfertilization which can harm ivy-leaved cyclamen’s fine roots. During dormancy in summer, cease fertilization. Gradual-release formulas or liquid dilutions ensure a gentle supply of nutrients. Always water ivy-leaved cyclamen before fertilizing to protect roots. Adjusting feeding frequency according to growth response is crucial for ivy-leaved cyclamen’s health.
Pruning
Proper pruning helps ivy-leaved cyclamen to grow better. During growth periods, thin or weak leaves should be cut off, together with their stems. Remove any infected leaves promptly to prevent germs from infecting healthy leaves.
When ivy-leaved cyclamen enters dormancy, in temperatures of up to 30 ℃, it is recommended to keep 4 to 6 leaves and remove any extra ones, which will avoid excessive nutrient consumption and promote growth after dormancy. It is not a good idea to leave them without any leaves because dormant corms with leaves sprout earlier than those without leaves.
Propagation
A charming herbaceous perennial, ivy-leaved cyclamen is propagated through division, a straightforward and effective method for increasing stock. To promote its growth, it is crucial to carefully separate the tubers ensuring each division includes roots and a bud. Post-division, plant these segments in a growing medium conducive to ivy-leaved cyclamen’s requirements. Ideal propagation efforts will foster conditions reminiscent of ivy-leaved cyclamen’s natural woodland habitat, involving moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to support the establishment of new plants.
Transplanting
Transplant your ivy-leaved cyclamen during early to mid-spring or mid to late fall, as these seasons provide optimal conditions for root establishment. Choose a location with well-drained soil and dappled shade. Gently loosen roots before transplanting, ensuring a successful, thriving plant.
Repotting
Repot ivy-leaved cyclamen every 2-3 years, ideally in the dormant season, to accommodate its tuberous root system. Choose a shallow pot as ivy-leaved cyclamen prefers snug boundaries. Post-repotting, opt for well-draining soil and place in a partially shaded spot for sufficient recovery. Ensure regular, but not excessive watering to maintain moderate soil moisture. This friendly advice promises a thriving ivy-leaved cyclamen!
III. Uses and Benefits
Ivy-leaved cyclamen is a herbaceous perennial of interest to gardeners for its showy pink flowers and leaves that stay alive through winter, offering good color. This plant looks great in mass plantings in partial shade under or in front of trees and shrubs. It also makes a good addition to rock gardens since it is tolerant of dry soils. Ivy-leaved cyclamen pairs well with snowdrops, trilliums, and ferns.
