Taylors Bulbs Cyclamen hederifolium (1)

Cyclamen hederifolium is one of the best-value plants for a shady corner, bringing colour to the garden exactly when little else is happening. From late summer into autumn, delicate nodding flowers in shades of pink appear on slender stems, often before the leaves — followed by a carpet of heart-shaped, ivy-like foliage beautifully marbled in silver and green, which persists right through winter before dying back in late spring. It holds RHS Award of Garden Merit status and, once settled, will self-seed gently to form drifts over time.

Plant the tuber shallowly, around 5cm deep, in humus-rich, well-drained soil, with the rounded, smoother side facing down and the rougher, knobbly side (where old roots and stems emerge) facing up. Dappled or partial shade suits it best — the base of deciduous trees, a woodland corner, or a shrub border are all ideal spots, mimicking its native Mediterranean woodland habitat. Once established, it needs virtually no attention, resting dormant underground each summer before reappearing reliably each autumn.

Reaching only 10–15cm tall with a spread of around 15–20cm, it's perfectly suited to underplanting, rockeries, containers, or anywhere that could use a lift of colour and texture through the darker months. As an ornamental tuber, it isn't intended for eating and is best kept out of reach of pets and children.

This tuber is hand-selected before dispatch. Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.