Planet primer: Cyclamen, florist cyclamen

Cyclamen, florist cyclamen

Light: partial shade

Height: 6 to 10 inches

Spread: 6 to 10 inches

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean

A welcome winter-blooming plant is the florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), which flowers from November to March. Like other cyclamen, this variety grows from a round tuber — a thick, underground stem (potatoes are an example of a tuber). From the tuber grows roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves of the florist cyclamen are dark green, with silver/white variegation, the variety will determine the pattern.

Its flowers are a combination of red, white and pink, with only one flower per stem. The flowers bloom upside down, reminiscent of a hovering butterfly — with petals that reflex upward, allowing the center pollen (still facing down) to be open and visible.

Florist cyclamen thrive in temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees. They do best in bright light conditions. These cyclamen are finicky when it comes to their water needs; they should be kept moist at all times, so touch and check the soil every few days so as to not allow the soil to get dry.

Get an up-close view of these winter beauties as part of Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory

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