Cyclamen (genus)

Japanese name: ガーデンシクラメン
Scientific name: Cyclamen

[Overview]
A general term for small cyclamens that can be planted in the garden, bred from cold-hardy strains.
Perennials.
They have slightly flattened, spherical tubers.
The leaves are simple and basal, usually heart-shaped, with silvery white markings on the surface.
The leaf margins are toothed.
A single flower is borne facing downward at the tip of a long flower stalk; the corolla is 5-lobed and curves back upward.
Flower colors vary from white to red, and the base of the corolla is usually purple.
There are also double-flowered cultivars.

[Cultivation]
They prefer a site with sun, good drainage and good water retention.
In a poorly lit place, flowering is poor and the flower color is dull.
They dislike direct summer sun and hot, humid conditions, so it is best to plant them under deciduous trees or the like.
If planted while lingering summer heat remains, the leaves may turn yellow and wither.
They tolerate frost, but in cold regions or areas with heavy frost, grow them in pots and bring them indoors in winter.
For plants in the garden, rainfall is sufficient.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, but pour gently around the edge of the pot, since wetting the leaves and flowers damages them.
Because they are weak in summer heat, the leaves generally wither in early summer and the plants go dormant.
During dormancy, keep them in a shady, well-ventilated place without watering and let them pass the summer until the leaves emerge.
If they do not go dormant in a cool region, let them pass the summer in partial shade while watering.
When flowers and leaves wither, remove them promptly from the base.
Pests and diseases include gray mold, soft rot, wilt, cyclamen mites, aphids and thrips.

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