Cyclamen persicum Bisou Magenta

Mini Cyclamen Bisou Magenta is part of a new line of innovative hybrids of Persian cyclamen, which combine flame-like flowers with silver foliage. The Bisou cyclamens, with their fresh and attractive colours, are small and compact plants that form neatly cushioned clumps. It is a tender plant, but its long flowering period, from mid-October to the heart of winter, is a real asset for indoor decoration during a time when flowering is generally scarce. The mini-cyclamen is often grown as an annual, in partial shade or full shade under trees, along pathways, or in shaded rockeries where it creates a sensation.

Cyclamen Bisou Magenta belongs to the Primulaceae family. It originates from Persian cyclamen, renowned for its beautiful winter flowering. It is a small perennial plant with tuberous roots, but it is not very hardy. It is unable to withstand frost. The tubers are rounded and compressed, covered with a smooth and velvety 'skin' and roots that emerge from their centre and base. The vegetative cycle depends on genetics and growing conditions. In this Bisou variety, the resting period occurs during summer, and the plant begins to grow at the end of summer, flowering from October to January. In regions unaffected by frost, it is possible to leave the tubers in the ground. The round and cordate-shaped leaves measure approximately 4cm (2in) in diameter. The leaves are dark green in the centre and heavily marbled with silvery-grey at the margins. Together, they form a small cushion measuring 25cm (10in) in diameter. The flowering emerges from the centre of the cushion, at a height of 25cm (10in). The pointed flower buds, initially lying on the ground, become upright on brown peduncles. Each flower consists of 5 large petals that are slightly twisted and bent backward. In this case, they are magenta-pink with fine white edging. Once flowering is complete in January, the foliage turns yellow, disappears, and the plant enters a dormant stage. During this resting period, watering should be reduced, and the plant should be stored in a cool place.

Plant Cyclamen Bisou in a pot or container, along with variegated miniature ivy Kolibri, heucheras, euphorbias that tolerate partial shade, or dwarf euonymus, for example. When planted en masse, with a mix of colours, mini-cyclamens create ephemeral but unforgettable carpets in shaded areas of the garden, along with begonias and impatiens, for example. They also find their place in a partially shaded rockery that is not too dry, alongside snowdrops and hellebores, for example. Take a look at our selection of hardy cyclamens, which tolerate cold weather and naturalise in the garden.