HOW TO CARE FOR CYCLAMEN

Cyclamen start flowering modestly in my Spring Garden in early August, their pinks and white out of kilter with the falling blaze of autumn.

They grow from corms that should be planted now, just below the surface in small groups, in light soil, in the shade of deciduous trees or shrubs – but they’ll grow in the awkward dry shade of evergreens. Cyclamen hederifolium has foliage marked with silvery veins that’s lovely in its own right, appearing only after the flowers have done their stuff.

They’ll spread by self-sown seedlings that can be collected and replanted. They will tolerate summer drought and do not mind winter shade, so can be coupled

with ferns such as hart’s tongue.

They need winter moisture to establish healthy leaves, which makes them an excellent partner for snowdrops.