Heres how to grow this pretty ground cover.
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Hardy cyclamen are a lovelyground coverthat get better with each passing year.
The plants form attractive clumps of ivy, lance, or heart-shaped foliage.
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There are currently more than20 speciesof cyclamen, but hardy cyclamen typically is considered the easiest to grow.
Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) grows in USDA zones 4 to 8 (find your zonehere).
Although related, florist cyclamen arent cold-tolerant and typically are grown only as short-lived houseplants.
However, if you live in zones 9 and warmer, they can be grown outdoors.
The plant goes dormant and foliage disappears by late spring to summer.
It looks best in a naturalized woodland setting, beneath shrubs and trees.
They dont tolerate full sun.
Theyre actually a good choice for dry shade.
After blooming, the plants self-sow their tiny seeds and slowly spread through the years.
Common Pests and Problems
Hardy cyclamen planted in ground are rarely bothered by pests.
Hardy Cyclamen Toxicity
Hardy cyclamen aretoxic to pets.
All parts of this plant contains saponins, which can cause salivation, vomiting and GI upset.
If ingested in large enough quantities, this plant also can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and death.
For this reason, keep pets away from this plant.
