Cyclamen persicum – Red Autumn & Winter Bedding Plant (Pre-Planted Metal Reindeer Planter)

Red cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum, also called florist's cyclamen) brings bold festive colour to autumn and winter, and here it arrives already planted in a decorative metal reindeer planter, so there is no potting to do.

The rich red flowers sit above attractive heart-shaped leaves marbled with silver, so the plant still looks good between flushes of bloom. Compact and mound-forming, it flowers from autumn through to spring and makes a lovely seasonal gift or a stylish touch for a porch, doorstep or patio display.

The plants are growing together in the planter and arrive in it. Stand it in a sheltered spot in partial shade, out of cold wind and away from heavy rain. It will take a light frost in a sheltered position, but a hard or prolonged frost will kill it, so move it under cover in severe weather. Keep the compost on the dry side, water at the edge rather than into the crown, and pull off spent flowers and yellowing leaves at the base with their stalks to keep new blooms coming. The tubers should not be eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Florist's Cyclamen, Persian Cyclamen
• Botanical Name: Cyclamen persicum
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 20-30cm tall and 20-30cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, mound-forming, with upswept flowers above marbled foliage
• Perfect For: Porches, doorsteps, patio pots, window boxes and sheltered corners
• Foliage: Deep green, heart-shaped leaves with silver marbling
• Flowering Time: Autumn to spring
• Flower Colour: Red
• Planting Position: Partial shade, sheltered from cold wind
• Hardiness: Not hardy. Tolerates a light frost in a sheltered spot, but a hard frost kills it
• Maintenance: Low. Keep on the dry side, water at the edge of the planter and remove spent flowers
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn, winter and early spring
• Type: Autumn and winter bedding