Last year as well as growing some indoor cyclamen from seed, I also grew some outdoor cyclamen - Coum.
As regular visitors will be aware we already have quite a lot of hardy cyclamen in the garden but these are cyclamen hederifolium. They start to flower in autumn - the flowers appearing before the leaves. The leaves have a resemblance to ivy leaves which is reflected in the name (hedera being the Latin name for ivy). The flowers are similar to miniature sized indoor cyclamen flowers.
Coum cyclamen first produce leaves and they are supposed to flower from December to April and both the leaves and flowers are different to hederifolium. The leaves are more heart shaped and the flowers more 'curly'.
Last year I managed to raise five coum plants from seed which given the number of seeds in the packet was a bit disappointing. I haven't planted the small plants outside just yet. They have been growing in the cold greenhouse in small pots where they will stay until they produce reasonable sized plants. As it is growth is variable with some plants growing away faster than others. It isn't just the growth rate that is variable as the markings on the leaves are also quite different.
The photos below show the variation.
You may have noticed some flower buds developing on the plant in the top photo. I guess being inside the plants may flower a little earlier than usual. One plant has already produced a flower. I wonder whether all the flowers will be the same colour or whether like the leaves that will be variable?
I described it as more curly which isn't really a perfect description but I'm not sure how else to describe the shape - any ideas?
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They look like ruffled flowers to me, I think I would like some of them next year.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought was lantern shaped flowers awpol. You can buy then as ready grown flowers too
DeleteThey have lovely leaf markings. Are you hoping for a variation in colours? I think curly is a good description of the flower shape.
ReplyDeleteI'll just be happy if they grow and flower, Jo. I've only ever seen them in the pink that the first one gas produced but who knows?
DeleteThe foliage markings are fantastic, Sue.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately mine are not so vigorous as C. hederifolium and their leaves do not last very long. On my soil they seem to have almost lost their leaves before they come into flower.But what sweet flowers they are in early spring!
They don't look as vigorous Roger, It's strange too as the one with the Christmas tree markings seems to be growing much stronger that the rest
DeleteI can see how collecting these could be addicitive. The fact that there are so many variations in just 5 plants is in itself attractive. Your collection would never be complete. I like the leaf pattern of the one in your first photo - it looks like a Hederifolium leaf contained within a Coum!
ReplyDeleteThe first pattern is generally described as a Christmas tree design, Mark, which I think is a good description.
DeleteWavey maybe?
ReplyDeleteThat would do it, Elaine.
DeleteHow exciting, waiting for the big reveal. Beautiful leaves. You have inspired me to try growing cyclamen from seed for my own garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's always exciting waiting for the first flower isn't it Janet?
DeleteFlowers before leave? Wow! That'z amazing little plant!
ReplyDeleteThis variety gets leaves first, Malar but hederifolium gets its flowers first.
DeleteThis is one of the plant in my wishlist that I would liked to grow in Adelaide but unable due to unlimited space. This one prefer shades?
ReplyDeleteIt likes part shade, Diana but in your climate would probably be happier in shade.
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