perennial

Cilician Cyclamen

The Story

Plant Bio

Cyclamen cilicium is a tuberous perennial with heart-shaped, green leaves often patterned with silver, and delicate, upswept flowers in shades of pale pink to white that bloom in autumn.

This species is distinguished by its delicate, fragrant flowers and its ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained soils, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas and alpine settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate, colorful blooms to shaded gardens, providing visual interest during late fall and winter.

Prefers shaded, cool environments, ideal for underplantings in shaded areas.

Supports pollinators attracted to its nectar during blooming periods.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

6 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, avoid overwatering

Humidity

Prefers cool, humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cilicia region in Turkey

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Late fall – Early spring

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in autumn.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Provide partial shade and cool conditions for best growth.
Water sparingly during dormancy, ensure soil remains moist.
Transplant in early spring after last frost.
Mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-draining, shaded areas with cool soil for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water when soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering 🌱
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Provide shade during hot summer months
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderFragrant groundcoverContainer plant for shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Snowdrops Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cilician Cyclamen questions

What zones can Cilician Cyclamen grow in?

Cilician Cyclamen is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cilician Cyclamen deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cilician Cyclamen, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cilician Cyclamen bloom?

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

Does Cilician Cyclamen need full sun?

Cilician Cyclamen does best in part shade.