SafePlants

Cyclamen persicum: The Florist's Cyclamen

Cyclamen persicum, commonly known as Florist's Cyclamen, Cyclamen, Greenhouse Cyclamen, or Persian Cyclamen, is a popular flowering plant often found in homes and gardens, particularly during the fall and winter months. It's celebrated for its vibrant blooms and unique foliage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cyclamen persicum
• Common Names: Florist's Cyclamen, Cyclamen, Greenhouse Cyclamen, Persian Cyclamen, Alpine Violet
• Family: Primulaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including areas like Cyprus (Akamas peninsula).
• Widely cultivated as a houseplant and garden plant, particularly in Western Europe and the United States.

Morphological Characteristics

• Features dark green, heart-shaped foliage.
• Produces butterfly-like flowers in a range of colors, including white, crimson, magenta, reds, purples, and pinks.
• Small-flowered varieties have flowers that are 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size and often sweetly scented.
• Flowers are produced on long stems, held upright above the foliage.

Cultivation and Care

• Primarily grown as a potted plant, especially florist cultivars.
• Often treated as a temporary houseplant.
• Requires proper care to ensure re-blooming, including a dormant period.
• Prefers bright light but not direct sunlight (e.g., a north-facing window).
• The compost should be kept moist at all times.

Quirky Facts

• The exotic spiraling buds of Cyclamen persicum are as interesting as its flowers.
• The Victorians became enamored with Cyclamen persicum in the 1800s and began breeding it into numerous florist cultivars.