Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) Cyclamen coum
Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) (Cyclamen coum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Woods and scrub from Bulgaria and Turkey to the Caucasus, Iran and Lebanon. It grows 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall and 10–15 cm (4–6 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 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 -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woods and scrub from Bulgaria and Turkey to the Caucasus, Iran and Lebanon |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇷 Turkey |
Is Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: tubers
Cyclamen tubers contain saponins (cyclamine): eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and large amounts can affect the heart.
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 Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen)
- How far apart should I plant Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen)?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
- Does Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) flower?
- From about January for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Cyclamen tubers contain saponins (cyclamine): eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and large amounts can affect the heart.
- What grows well with Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Eastern cyclamen (spring cyclamen). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Tiny magenta, pink or white flowers with swept-back petals over round, often silver-patterned leaves in the depths of winter; the flower stalks coil like springs to pull the seeds down to the soil, where ants carry them off. Thrives in dry shade under trees.
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
- Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
- 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