Taylors Bulbs Cyclamen coum (2)

Cyclamen coum, the eastern cyclamen, flowers in the depths of winter when little else in the garden will. From midwinter into early spring its small, swept-back flowers in shades of magenta, pink and white rise above neat, rounded leaves that are often marbled with silver. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, is fully hardy and copes with frost and snow. Over the years it slowly spreads into a carpet of winter colour.

Grow it in partial shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well. It is ideal for naturalising under deciduous trees and shrubs, along woodland edges, in rockeries or at the front of a shady border. Plant the tubers about 5cm deep with the rounded side facing down. Once the leaves die back in late spring, mulch with leaf mould and don’t overwater over summer, because the tubers rest while dormant and dislike sitting wet. The plants reach about 10cm tall with a similar spread. They look lovely alongside snowdrops, hellebores and dwarf ferns. Tubers can attract mice and squirrels, so it is worth protecting them in the first season. The bulbs are not to be eaten, and gloves are recommended when handling them. Keep them away from pets.

Each pack contains two tubers, checked before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.