perennial

Rohlfs's Cyclamen

Cyclamen rohlfsianum

The Story

Plant Bio

A tender, tuberous perennial native to Libya. It is unique for its fragrant, pink flowers with twisted, upright petals that appear in autumn, often before the foliage. The large, glossy green leaves are distinctively angular and lobed, resembling a maple leaf, and may have silvery markings.

Notable for being a winter-growing species, it is dormant and drought-tolerant through the summer. It requires frost-free conditions and a gritty, alkaline, well-drained soil, making it ideal for an alpine house or container cultivation in cool climates.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate, colorful foliage and flowers to shaded areas, enhancing garden aesthetics.

Prefers cooler environments, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

Supports local pollinators with its insect-attracting blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Libya

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Autumn – Late fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck tubers just below soil surface in autumn.
Mist cuttings or water lightly during dormancy.
Provide shaded location with well-draining soil.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during active growth.
Protect from frost by mulching or moving indoors in winter.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.

Pro Tip

Plant tubers in a shaded area with rich, well-draining soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Provide shade during hottest months
Use organic mulch to retain moisture

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not overwater to prevent rot ❌
Avoid fertilizing during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderCool shaded container display

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rohlfs's Cyclamen questions

What zones can Rohlfs's Cyclamen grow in?

Rohlfs's Cyclamen is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rohlfs's Cyclamen deer resistant?

Yes — Rohlfs's Cyclamen is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Rohlfs's Cyclamen bloom?

Rohlfs's Cyclamen typically blooms in autumn through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Rohlfs's Cyclamen need full sun?

Rohlfs's Cyclamen does best in part shade.

Is Rohlfs's Cyclamen drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Rohlfs's Cyclamen handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.