The short answer

Quick Answer

Hardy Cyclamen thrives in full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 10 to 15cm tall. plant in drifts of 20 or more. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: None. Remove dead leaves by hand

How: Pull away dead leaves and flower stems gently. Do not cut the tuber

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mediterranean and southern Europe, Turkey and the Middle East

Native or exotic: Exotic to UK gardens. Some species rare in the wild and protected

History: Hardy cyclamen have been grown in British gardens since the 1500s. They were collected from the wild in Turkey in the 1800s, which is now strictly controlled

Folklore: In medieval Europe cyclamen was called 'sow bread' because wild pigs dug up the tubers to eat

Fun fact: Cyclamen tubers can live for 100 years or more and grow to the size of a dinner plate. The flowers are pollinated by bees and the seed is dispersed by ants, which carry it to their nests

Historical medicinal uses: Cyclamen was used in traditional medicine as a purgative, but is toxic and not recommended for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers on mild days. The seed is dispersed by ants [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides late and early nectar for pollinators[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 C. hederifolium flowers August to October. C. coum flowers December to March. Marbled leaves year round[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant with snowdrops, hellebores and wood anemones for year-round interest under trees

Pest control: Generally pest free. Vine weevil larvae can damage tubers in pots

Common diseases and issues: Cyclamen grey mould, vine weevil damage in pots. See RHS cyclamen grey mould advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. Spreads slowly by seed

CGM care note

We always explain to clients the difference between hardy outdoor cyclamen and the tender florist cyclamen sold as houseplants. Hardy C. hederifolium and C. coum are planted as dormant tubers in July to September at 3 to 5cm deep, just below the soil surface with the growing point uppermost, in well-drained soil under deciduous trees.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Hardy Cyclamen

How Hardy Cyclamen fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hosta (Plantain Lily), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hydrangea, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Astilbe, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hellebores (Lenten Rose), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Hardy Cyclamen.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Hardy Cyclamen are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Hardy Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Primulaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Kallersjo M, Bergqvist G, Borgen L (2000). Generic realignment in Primulaceae. Nordic Journal of Botany, 20(3), 273-282.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Primulaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, seasonal_highlight.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Hardy Cyclamen. The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers on mild days. The seed is dispersed by ants") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides late and early nectar for pollinators") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "C. hederifolium flowers August to October. C. coum flowers December to March. Marbled leaves year round".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers on mild days. The seed is dispersed by ants"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Hardy Cyclamen's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides late and early nectar for pollinators") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Hardy Cyclamen's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Primulaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Hardy Cyclamen. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Hardy Cyclamen. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Hardy Cyclamen. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Hardy Cyclamen. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Hardy Cyclamen performs well locally

Towns where Hardy Cyclamen is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover