Are cyclamen hardy? Interesting facts about care in winter

Despite their toxicity, cyclamen are among the most popular indoor and garden flowers. Despite the name, the genus is not a plant from the Alpine region, apart from the species Cyclamen purpurascens, the earth bread. They are also not related to the violets (bot. viola). The pretty plants come from the Mediterranean area and are native to the Middle East and North Africa to Somalia. The warm origin leaves one question unanswered: Are cyclamen hardy?

Hardy species

The question regarding the winter hardiness of the cyclamen depends on the respective species. Since the over 20 species of the genus are so widespread, there are some that are hardy and others that should definitely be brought into the house during the cold season in Germany.

The following types are those that can withstand temperatures down to -40 ° C and therefore easily survive the winter without protection:

• Early spring cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen coum)
• Summer cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen purpurascens)
• Autumn cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen hederifolium)

The following species, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures down to -20 ° C and should be provided with winter protection:

• Anatolia cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen cilicium)
• Amana sea violet (bot. Cyclamen pseudibericum)
• Propeller cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen trochopteranthum)
• Cyclamen mirabile
• Cyclamen parviflorum
• Cyclamen intaminatum

What is interesting about these species is that they come from the northern range of the genus. Much of these species are found north and northeast of the Mediterranean, which makes them hardy. Even species like Cyclamen coum won't die over winter, even if they bloom. This is why they are so popular with gardeners who are happy about a colorful aspect in the dreary winter. Nevertheless, you have to pay attention to a few points when overwintering the plants so that the sensitive tubers do not become too moist or overcool.

wintering

Winter protection

For winter protection, plant the tubers sufficiently deep in the ground. For this, a depth of 5 - 7 centimeters is recommended, through which the perennial organ is protected from the cold and condensation.

Cover the cyclamen with a Protective layer made of one of the following materials:

• compost
• leaves
• brushwood
• Fir branches
• Spruce branches

The layer doesn't have to be thick, just cover the surface above the tuber as much as possible. Do not cover the flowers with the material as they do not need winter protection.

Location

You can keep the plants calm about the flowering period into the house to fetch. They can withstand snow and even cool winds, but if the flowers are covered in a layer of snow, you cannot enjoy them. They also start to flower earlier indoors, often as early as December, while outdoors they wait until February. In the event of a possible wintering, be sure to observe the instructions for wintering non-winter-hardy species that will follow below.

You do not have to pay attention to other points when wintering the hardy species. You can follow the general care instructions for these. If a particularly cold winter is imminent, it is better to bring the tubers indoors to avoid possible damage. The cyclamen should also be placed in such a way that they are not constantly under water in spring, and also in mild winters.

tip: if you are interested in a cyclamen specimen in the trade, you should definitely pay attention to the botanical name. Some manufacturers offer non-hardy taxa as frost-hardy down to -5 ° C, which in any case leads to the death of the flower if it is planted in the garden.

Not hardy species

In addition to the resistant species, there are also numerous species that are not winter hardy and definitely one Winter protection require. One of the absolute favorites among the cyclamen is one of these: the cyclamen. This ornamental plant can be found in numerous apartments and can withstand a maximum of minus degrees of -3 ° C, which makes it unsuitable for wintering outdoors. The non-winter hardy species include:

• Cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen persicum)
• Cretan sesund bread (bot. Cyclamen creticum)
• Greek cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen graecum)
• Curly-leaved cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen repandum)
• African cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen africanum)
• Cyprus cyclamen (bot. Cyclamen cyprium)
• Cyclamen balearicum
• Cyclamen libanoticum
• Cyclamen rohlfsianum
• Cyclamen somalense

Most of these species come from Africa and are not used to cool temperatures. However, like other cyclamen, they are allowed to do so not too warm Be kept over the winter time, otherwise they will wither faster and the leaves will turn yellow and curl up. If you keep any of the above species in your own four walls, you should only put them out in the garden during the warm summer months. Winter is in no way suitable for these taxa and you need one Winter quartersso that the tuber does not start to rot or the flowers do not get too much winter sun

wintering

Location

The location in winter quarters should brightbut not be in direct sunshine. You can even choose a north window, as long as the room is bright enough. Light-flooded garages, winter gardens, pavilions or stairwells are ideal.

temperature

The temperature should be between 12 ° C and 15 ° C, maximum 18 ° C. Therefore, choose a room that will last over the winter not heated will. Conservatories are also recommended here, as they offer sufficient light and do not need to be heated. Alternatively, you can leave the cyclamen in the pot on a sheltered balcony or terrace, as long as you wrap the plant in a winter protection fleece.

to water

Water the cyclamen regularly. Since cyclamen should not be poured from above, they also have to go through winter water indirectly. This means that you only add water via the saucer or saucer. Make sure that no waterlogging forms and pour away excess water after about 30 minutes.

Fertilize

Just give fertilizers over the winter to reduce You this in terms of the crowd. If your species takes a rest period over the winter, you must not fertilize during this.

Remove dead flowers

Remove dead flowers regularly. This allows the tuber to collect sufficient energy and nutrients.

tip: When caring for the non-winter-hardy species, be particularly careful to put on gloves. The contained toxins can be fatal, even in small amounts, and even touching the tuber can irritate the skin.