Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
Ivy-leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Woodland and rocky slopes from southern France to Turkey. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Ivy-leaved cyclamen in your garden →
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Ivy-leaved cyclamen at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woodland and rocky slopes from southern France to Turkey |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Ivy-leaved cyclamen toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: tubers
Tubers contain triterpenoid saponins (cyclamin) that cause vomiting and diarrhoea; large amounts are dangerous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ivy-leaved cyclamen
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about Ivy-leaved cyclamen
- How far apart should I plant Ivy-leaved cyclamen?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Ivy-leaved cyclamen need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ivy-leaved cyclamen need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ivy-leaved cyclamen?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Ivy-leaved cyclamen flower?
- From about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ivy-leaved cyclamen poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Tubers contain triterpenoid saponins (cyclamin) that cause vomiting and diarrhoea; large amounts are dangerous.
- What grows well with Ivy-leaved cyclamen?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ivy-leaved cyclamen. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Flowers in autumn, leaves grow through winter and spring and the plant is dormant in summer (modelled as deciduous).
- Tubers live for decades and self-seed freely.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Primrose Primula vulgaris
- Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia
- Auricula Primula auricula
- Cowslip Primula veris
- Giant Himalayan cowslip Primula florindae
- Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata
- Japanese primrose (kurinsō) Primula japonica