Cyclamen hederifolium

An ideal site for these autumn-flowering tubers is beneath leaf-losing trees or shrubs where they receive some winter sun and dappled sunlight the rest of the year. The soil needs to be well drained and high in organic content. Once established the plants should not be disturbed. Cyclamen hederifolium are winter hardy all over Europe and are best planted in spring or early summer.

Plant tubers 3-5cm deep. Remember that the upside is often slightly concave, the bottom smooth and rounded. The tubers tend to push themselves out of the soil and will benefit from a dressing of compost or leaf mold in late summer. Their marbled leaves keep their colour throughout winter, forming a wonderful background to late-winter flowering bulbs such as snowdrops, winter aconites and early narcissus. Height 10cm.