Plants for Dry Shade Cyclamen Hederifolium
Cyclamen hederifolium for dry shade
Dry shade is one of the most difficult growing conditions to accommodate in the garden. Cyclamen hederifolium is the autumn and winter flowering Cyclamen (as compared with Cyclamen coum, Spring flowering and not compatible with dry soils.) It is perennial, with brightly coloured lovely pink and white flowers.
All cyclamen are corms which can be planted in their dormant state as corms. Alternatively, you can buy garden ready plants (illustrated above right) and plant for instant autumn colour.
I've included the image left, where cyclamen are growing under a tree to illustrate the point. There are few growing conditions drier than under trees and here they are thriving.
This variety of Cyclamen is fully hardy H5
Where to plant Cyclamen and how to grow them
Plant in a shady border, in humus rich soil which is on the dry side. Cyclamen hederifolium will not tolerate wet or boggy soil but will tolerate many degrees of both shade and dry soil. I have planted the Cyclamen illustrated top left in a shrubby border backed by trees where there is a great deal of shade and shrub and tree roots create dry soil.
It is a good idea to mulch after flowering to prevent the tubers drying out over the summer. This variety is summer deciduous, which means the plants die back over summer and revive in autumn with the additional rain and change in season.
Plant tubers in late summer/early autumn about 2-5cm deep. Plant with the flat side of the tuber at the top. Avoid planting them too deep as it may hinder their ability to flower. Plant garden ready Cyclamen from September onwards with the pot soil at the same level as the earth. Even though this variety of Cyclamen is tolerant of dry soils, always water after planting until they are established, with new growth and flowers. After the first season and flowering, there is no need to water Cyclamen.
Cyclamen hederifolium will flower from October through to November/early December.
Once planted, the plants will naturalise and multiply over time and need no maintenance.
Easy to grow Cyclamen hederifolium bring colourful cheer to the autumn garden.
A green wheelbarrow plant Cyclamen is very easy to grow and maintenance free.