Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus). It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Florist’s cyclamen at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Florist’s cyclamen toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: tuber, all parts
Tubers contain saponins (cyclamin): vomiting and diarrhoea and, in large amounts, heart-rhythm problems in pets.
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 Florist’s cyclamen
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Florist’s cyclamen
- How far apart should I plant Florist’s cyclamen?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Florist’s cyclamen need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Florist’s cyclamen need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Florist’s cyclamen?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Florist’s cyclamen flower?
- From about November for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Florist’s cyclamen poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Tubers contain saponins (cyclamin): vomiting and diarrhoea and, in large amounts, heart-rhythm problems in pets.
- What grows well with Florist’s cyclamen?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Florist’s cyclamen. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Swept-back petals over silver-marbled leaves; a cool-season pot plant that rests (goes dormant) through hot summers. Outdoors only where winters stay above freezing.
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
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata
- Japanese primrose (kurinsō) Primula japonica