Pink Naples Cyclamen

The Naples Cyclamen, in Latin Cyclamen hederifolium or C. neapolitanum, is a charming small tuberous perennial that flowers in autumn. Perfectly adapted to hot climates, which allow its tuber to mature in dry soil, this small plant awakens with the first rains at the end of summer in the form of small pink and curled flowers appearing before the marbled green and silver foliage. It will form a remarkable carpet from autumn to the end of the following spring. The Naples cyclamen quickly naturalises, covering the shade or dry semi-shade that prevails at the foot of trees and bushes, in semi-shaded rockeries, along pathways, always in well-drained soil and away from the scorching sun.

Cyclamen hederifolium, the Ivy-leaved Cyclamen, is native to southern Europe. In nature, it is found in undergrowth and under bushes, in rocky and often limestone soil and belongs to the Primulaceae family, just like primroses.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a wide and flattened cork-like tuber equipped with lateral and upper roots. Its growth develops after flowering in a small creeping tuft measuring 10 cm (4in) in height, consisting of triangular leaves with dentate margins, thick and leathery, carried by petioles. Their size varies from 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) in length. Each leaf is different, more or less marbled with tender green to dark green and silver white, but all show a purple underside. The flowering occurs at the end of summer, from August to October to November, depending on the region and climatic conditions. Each tuber produces several small flowers borne by a peduncle 10-15 cm (4-6in) above the ground. The flower, measuring 1 cm (1in) to 1.5 cm (1in) in length, comprises five petals curled backwards and a corolla of 5 fused petals in the centre. A small, darker spot is visible at the base of this tender pink flower. The fruit is a rounded capsule with a corkscrew-like pedicel, which is very effective for burying it underground, where its fresh seeds will be released. This plant self-seeds or transports the seeds with the help of ants.

They multiply independently over the years, forming unforgettable carpets in the dry and shaded areas of the garden that are difficult to design. It is a perfect plant to enhance the base of a deciduous tree (Montpellier maple, downy oak) in very rocky soil. It is resistant to cold, but its tuber dislikes excessive humidity in winter and summer. It will find its place in a semi-shaded rockery in the company of Anemone blanda. To enjoy a double flowering, mix them with Cyclamen coum, which will flower in spring.