Cyclamen persicum – Florists Cyclamen
Flowers appear over a long period of Autumn/winter, with outlandish recurved pink petals, forming a shuttlecock shape.
Habit:
A low growing, tuberous plant that flowers for six months from early autumn. C. persicum is not as hardy as the hybrid Cyclamen, but they do have larger flowers.
Origins:
The original C. persicum species is native to rocky hillsides, shrubland, and woodland up to 1,200 m above sea level, from south-central Turkey to Israel and Jordan. The florists Cyclamen that we are familiar with are varieties of that original species.
Soil / Aspect:
Cyclamen prefer partial shade, as they are really a woodland plant, and do not like exposed spots. This one probably need a spot near the house to save it from anything more severe that a mild ground frost. Also they can be overwhelmed by herbaceous plants. So probably best to find a place in amongst some shrubs where they will get some direct sunlight.
Maintenance:
There is really nothing to do with this one. If it likes you then it will spread and be a joy, if not, then . . . well . . . not.