Cyclamen need cooler temperatures to flower. Unlike other perennials, they do not bloom in summer, but only in late autumn to spring. But are they sufficiently hardy or do they need frost protection?

Most cyclamen on the market are very hardy

Not every cyclamen survives the winter

It cannot be said in general that every cyclamen is hardy. For one, it depends on the species and variety. On the other hand, it depends on the location and the temperature and weather conditions there.

Average hardiness: -20 to -25 °C

Most cyclamen on the market tolerate winter temperatures down to -25 °C (in unprotected locations down to -20 °C). But there are also extreme cases that can face frost down to -40 °C without fear.

Good hardy cyclamen

The following specimens belong to the cyclamen, which are often planted in gardens in this country and are considered to be relatively hardy (without winter protection):

  • Early Spring Cyclamen
  • Summer Cyclamen
  • Autumn Cyclamen

Also cultivated outdoors, but should be provided with winter protection, these species can be identified with their Latin names:

  • Cyclamen intaminatum
  • Cyclamen cilicium
  • Cyclamen mirabile
  • Cyclamen parviflorum
  • Cyclamen pseudibericum
  • Cyclamen repandum
  • Cyclamen trochopteranthum

Sensitive little ones prefer to hibernate

The sensitive species include the best-known species, Cyclamen persicum. It is usually also declared as indoor cyclamen and is not suitable for outdoors. It should only be planted/placed in the garden or on the balcony in a shady spot in summer.

Cyclamen balearicum, Cyclamen creticum, Cyclamen graecum, Cyclamen repandum, Cyclamen africanum, Cyclamen cyprium, Cyclamen libanoticum, Cyclamen rohlfsianum and Cyclamen somalense are also considered sensitive to the effects of frost. All of these specimens are more suitable for culture in a warm apartment.

They should be brought over the winter as follows:

  • quarter in the pot (possibly put on the balcony and cover with fleece)
  • cool place: 12 to 15 °C
  • bright, but not sunny all day
  • fertilize moderately
  • water regularly
  • pluck faded flowers

Protect garden cyclamen in cool regions

Cyclamen that are outdoors, such as in the garden, should be planted 5 to 7 cm deep in the ground. If the tuber is not covered enough with soil, it freezes in winter. It is also advisable to surround these cyclamen with a protective layer made of compost, leaves, brushwood, fir branches or spruce branches, for example.

Bring cyclamen indoors when they are in bloom

In general, it is advisable to bring the cyclamen into the house for the winter when they are in bloom or from autumn. The garden is rarely entered in winter. Indoors, on the other hand, you can enjoy the flowers of the cyclamen all winter long. If the cyclamen stay outside, they usually do not bloom until February.

tips and tricks

Look carefully when buying cyclamen! Some specimens are boastfully declared as 'hardy', but only tolerate a minimum temperature of -5 °C.

Category:

Indoor plants