The Rural Voice, 2002-01, Page 34Gardening
Cyclamens aren't just a one-time love affair
By Rhea Hamilton -Seeger
Cyclamens are plants that keep on
giving long after Christmas is past.
If you were lucky enough to
receive one over the holidays you
will be pleased to note that if
properly cared for will last several
years which for some will come as a
surprise.
Cyclamen blooms rise above
silver veined leaves like butterflies
dipping over your summer garden.
The delicate pink and white petals are
drawn completely back from the
centre of the blossom which points
downwards. The variety that we buy
from the garden centre or grocery
store is a native of old Persia
(Turkey) and was so plentiful that its
roasted tubers were fed to pigs. Too
bad we couldn't enjoy that ease of
growth in our homes.
Your cyclamen is a member of the
primulaceae family which means
"first". Yes that is the same family as
our lovely spring primroses. This
small family shares the common love
of shade, coolness, and moisture but
not swampy conditions. As the name
"first" implies it is among the early
bloomers where it is hardy.
Now your house plant may be
eased outside in the spring after all
signs of frost have passed but will
have to be returned to the warmth of
your home in the fall. In the
meantime keep it in a cool spot
during the nights and in a very light
or sunny window during the day.
While it does like to be kept moist,
do not let water sit in the saucer and
avoid watering directly on the crown
or bulb that peeks above the soil. It
will bloom for weeks if you avoid
letting it dry out.
Once it is finished blooming the
leaves may yellow and die off. Don't
panic and throw out the pot. Let it
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30 THE RURAL VOICE
rest in a cool dark place and after a
few weeks water sparingly. Bring it
out when you see a bit of growth.
Some wonderful people with
extraordinary green thumbs can keep
their cyclamen green and lush all
year. Let it build strength outside in
the shade and bring it in in the fall
before the frost hits.
Once you have enjoyed these in
your home you may try growing the
hardy variety in your garden. I must
caution you, it may take a few tries to
get the right spot but once established
they will flourish and provide a
lovely show each year.
You can buy hardy cyclamen or
cyclamen hederifolium in most
garden centres. The corms are usually
quite small and I find it quite difficult
to figure which end goes up. Look
for a location where they will receive
a few hours of direct sun. They need
dappled or part shade which makes
them a great addition to your wood-
land gardens. While the package will
recommend a planting depth of
several inches they will do better if
plantz.d no more than an inch or two
deep. But that means extra care in the
fall. Once the ground has hardened
you will have to mulch thickly. Don't
be tempted to plant them too close
because they are small.
Cyclamen hate being moved and
once established, the corms will grow
to quite a diameter making it smart to
plant them at least six inches apart.
The hardy ones flower in mid-to-late
fall and their foliage appears later and
lasts all winter. They are like finding
a little jewel in the fall as they bloom
no higher that six inches at best. The
leaves are similar to the domestic
house varieties but a bit smaller and
more angular, pointed with small
toothed edges.
I see the cyclamen as a wonderful
addition to the ever growing, popular
rock gardens. Now, back to the
catalogues and good luck with your
spring planning.0
Rhea Hamilton -Seeger and her
husband raise two children at their
home near Auburn. She is a skilled
cook and gardener.