Wild Cyclamen Tubers (Cyclamen hederifolium)

Cyclamen hederifolium, the ivy-leaved or hardy cyclamen, is a low-growing tuberous plant that brings colour to shaded ground at the quiet end of the year. Its small pink flowers, each with swept-back petals and a darker eye, rise on 15cm stems, and are followed by handsome ivy-shaped leaves marbled in silver and green that persist through winter and spring before dying away in summer.

It is a non-UK-native species from southern Europe, but it is fully hardy and among the most useful plants for a difficult situation: dry shade under trees and large shrubs, the base of hedges, and root-filled ground where little else will grow. It also does well in borders, rockeries and pots. Established tubers grow larger each year and, where conditions suit, the plants seed themselves around to form spreading colonies.

Plant the tubers from August to October, around 5cm deep and 5cm or more apart, with the smoother, rounded side downwards and the slightly concave, knobbly side upwards. A free-draining soil in partial shade is ideal — good drainage is more important than richness, and leaf mould worked into the ground helps. Once planted they need no routine care; avoid disturbing the tubers.

Supplied as dormant tubers, 15–20cm size, for late-summer to autumn planting. Non-UK-native species — for garden and ornamental use rather than native habitat restoration.