Cyclamen cilicium

Cyclamen cilicium (sometimes mistakenly spelled C. cilicicum) is also known as the cyclamen of Cilicia, due to its origins in the former region of Cilicia in southern Anatolia. This deciduous species is rare in cultivation. It is characterised by a beautiful pink autumn flowering and foliage finely marbled in light tones. Slightly less hardy than its cousin the cyclamen of Naples, it is a lovely plant for partially shaded rockeries or rocky woodland areas, perfectly adapted to very dry summers. It naturalises over time.

Cyclamen cilicium is a small perennial plant with a tuberous root (called a tuber) belonging to the Primulaceae family. It is native to Turkey (Taurus Mountains) where it can be found in coniferous forests. This small species measures approximately 10cm (4in) in height when flowering.

The tubers are round and compressed, covered with a smooth brick-coloured 'skin' with roots coming from their centre and base. The foliage generally develops in September-October after a dry summer, at the same time as the flowers appear. The oval-rounded leaves are slightly cordate, with barely dentate edges, and measure about 4cm (2in) in length. The colour of the leaves is a shiny dark green, marbled and maculate, and embroidered with lighter green and silver-white. As soon as the soil dries out slightly, the foliage disappears and the plant goes dormant. This usually happens in June.

Flowering occurs from late September to early November, depending on the climate, just like the cyclamen of Naples. The pointed flower buds, initially lying on the ground, straighten up on reddish peduncles. The flowers are more elongated than those of its cousin and emit a sweet honey fragrance. Each flower is composed of 5 pale-pink petals with contoured, twisted edges. A small purple macule is present at the base of the petals. After pollination, the flower gives way to a small round fruit, with the floral stem spiralling to allow the fruit to touch the ground. Ants, which relish their sweet flesh, disperse the seeds.

Plant it with the white variety as ground cover. They will multiply on their own over time, forming unforgettable carpets in shaded and dry areas of the garden that are difficult to landscape. It is a perfect plant for under the canopy of a deciduous tree in woodland soil. It is quite hardy (-10°C (14°F)), but its tuber dreads excessive humidity, both in winter and summer. It will find its place in a partially shaded rockery, alongside Anemone blanda and liverwort, for example. To enjoy a double flowering, mix them with Cyclamen coum and botanical narcissi from the tazetta group.

Sold in packs of 5 or 15 bulbs, size 13+