Cyclamen persicum Bisou Salmon

Cyclamen Bisou Salmon is part of a new line of hybrids of Persian cyclamen that bring a fresh approach to the genus. The 'Bisou' series cyclamens, with their attractive and fresh colours, combine flame-like flowers with heavily silver-marbled foliage. Compact and well-groomed, they form neat cushions and start flowering from mid-October. It is a frost-sensitive plant, but its long flowering period, extending into the heart of winter, is a definite advantage for indoor decoration during a time that is generally not conducive to flowering. Mini-cyclamen is often grown as an annual, in semi-shade or full shade under trees, along pathways, or in shaded rock gardens where it creates a sensation.

Cyclamen Bisou Salmon belongs to the Primulaceae family. It originates from Persian cyclamen, renowned for its beautiful winter flowering. It is a small perennial plant with a tuberous root, but it is not very hardy and cannot withstand frost. The tubers are round and compressed, covered with a smooth and velvety 'skin' as well as roots emerging from their centre and base. The vegetative cycle of cyclamen depends on genetics and growing conditions. In this Bisou variety, the resting period occurs in summer, and the plant starts growing towards the end of summer, flowering from October to January. In regions spared from frost, it is possible to leave the tubers in the ground. The round and cordate leaves measure approximately 4cm (2in) in diameter. The leaves are dark green in the centre, with strong silver-grey maculation at the margin. Together, they form a small cushion with a diameter of 25cm (10in). The flowering emerges from the centre of the cushion, at a height of 25cm (10in). The pointed flower buds, initially lying on the ground, straighten up on brown peduncles. Each flower consists of 5 large petals slightly twisted and curved backward. In this case, they are salmon-coloured, finely edged with white. Once the flowering is over in January, the foliage turns yellow, disappears, and the plant enters a dormant phase. During this resting stage, watering should be reduced, and the plant should be stored in a cool room.

Plant Cyclamen Bisou in a pot or planter, with a 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 rock garden that is not too dry, alongside snowdrops and hellebores, for example. Check out our selection of hardy cyclamens that can withstand the cold and naturalise in the garden.