Cyclamen Mini Ray - F1 Hybrid Cyclamen

The Cyclamen hybrid Super Series Crayon is unique for the colour of its flowers, which appear as if they were drawn with a crayon, as well as for the duration of its flowering period, which can last seven months, from May to November. The plants in this series, which are mini-cyclamen types, are grown from sowing: the colour of the flowers can vary between pink, salmon, violet, and dark red, but the pattern remains the same. The plant's habit is very nicely rounded and compact, and its beautiful dark green foliage is veined with grey-green. As it is frost-sensitive, mini-cyclamen is often grown as an annual, in partial shade or shade under trees, along pathways, or in shaded rockeries.

The Cyclamen Super Series 'Crayon' belongs to the Primulaceae family. It is derived from the Persian Cyclamen, known for its beautiful winter flowering. It is a small perennial plant with tuberous roots but is not very hardy and doesn't tolerate frost. The 'Crayon' Cyclamen tubers are round and compressed, covered with smooth and velvety 'skin' and roots originating from their centre and base. The plant's vegetative cycle depends on its genetics and growing conditions. In this 'Crayon' variety, the resting period is in winter; the plant grows in late winter and blooms from May until autumn. In areas unaffected by frost, it is possible to leave the tubers in the ground: the foliage will then develop in autumn, after a dry summer, and the flowering will occur from winter to spring. In this case, the tubers enter a resting phase in summer.

The leaves, which are round and cordate in shape, measure about 4 cm (2in) in diameter. The colour of the leaves is a dark green veined with grey-green. Overall, it forms a small cushion with a diameter of 25 cm (10in). The flowers emerge from the cushion at a height of 25 cm (10in). They take the form of numerous floral stems. The pointed flower buds, initially lying on the ground, stand upright on brown peduncles. Each flower consists of 5 petals that curve backwards. Each petal is marked with fine-coloured streaks. Once the flowering is finished, the foliage turns yellow in November, disappears, and the plant enters a resting phase. At this time of the year, watering should be reduced, and the plant should be stored in a cool place.

Plant the 'Crayon' Cyclamen in a planter with variegated miniature ivy Kolibri, some heucheras, some euphorbias that tolerate partial shade, or some dwarf euonymus. Planted en masse in a mix of colours, mini-cyclamen form ephemeral but unforgettable carpets in shaded garden areas, along with begonias and impatiens. They are also ideal for a partially shaded rockery, not too dry, alongside Anemone blanda and hepaticas.