Flowering in autumn and loving a hot summer Cyclamen graecum grows well in full sun. The flowers which vary in colour from the rare white C. graecum album to pink and even a near purple, are not noted for fragrance, however the foliage patterns are the major reason for growing this plant.
This is a summer dormant species from southern Greece, Crete, the Peleponese and into Türkiye and Cyprus, is the general area.
It is used to hot dry summers and although it does like these conditions to perform at its best, it will grow in part shade as well.
Description
The foliage which is fleshy and glossy is regarded as having the best leaf patterns and colours of all of the cyclamen by many growers.
Silver, very deep green, creamy white and other shades of green are all present.
The flowers appear on bare stems before the foliage , or with the foliage depending on the amount of rain received in late summer to autumn.
The tuber is larger than many other Cyclamen species reaching 30cm across in mature specimens, and the root system deeper.
Plants from different areas have different characteristics, some with larger flowers, some with larger foliage and leaf patterns and colours vary greatly.
Landscaping and Garden uses
Cyclamen graecum is an excellent choice for growing in a rock or crevice garden in warmer Mediterranean type climates, but restricted to growing in containers in cold climates or frost prone areas.
It does perform better if grown in the ground where possible.
How to Grow Cyclamen graecum
This is a cyclamen species with a deep root system and a large tuber, so provide deep soil with good drainage. Again, a rock garden is well suited.
If going in containers in cooler climates you will need a deep pot for the root system to be happy. Tall Terra cotta type pots are your best choice.
In colder climate zones you would need to grow this plant in an alpine house to give it winter protection or you could try growing it in pots indoors. In terms of climaate zones, use USDA Zones 7a – 9b as guide for growing outdoors.
At the end of summer it is time to water if natural rainfall is not forthcoming.
Fertilizer
If growing in the ground in good soil, no fertilisation should be needed. Just mulch around the plant each spring.
In pots a little slow release fertiliser at the beginning of the growth cycle will be beneficial. Do not fertilise any cyclamen when they are in dormancy.
Cyclamen graecum Propagation
Although Cyclamen graecum will self seed, you will get better germination if you collect and sow the seeds using the following technique.
- Sow the seeds in late autumn, outdoors in warmer climates works well.
- Use a specialist seed raining mix.
- Fill deepish pots with seed raising mix with a little charcoal in the bottom of the pot.
- Seed can be soaked in warm soapy water overnight and then rinsed before sowing, or sown without soaking.
- Water the seed raising mix before sowing the seed.
- Surface sow the seeds and then sift a thin layer of the seed raising mix over the top. Just enough to cover the seeds.
- Keep the pots in a shaded warm position until the seeds germinate. Germination can take from 3 – 6 weeks.
- Water by mist spraying or bottom water by sitting the pots in a bowl of water for 30 minutes and then allowing to drain.
Some recognised varieties
- C. graecum subsp graecum
- C. graecum subsp anatolicum – Türkiye, Cyprus and Rhodes
- C. graecum subsp candicum – Mainly from Crete
- C. graecum subsp graecum f. album – White flowering