Cyclamen hederifolium

Small, tuberous perennial. Dark green leaves are triangular to heart-shaped and are often marbled on the top and purple beneath. Grows to 10cm tall.

Pink or white flowers with dark centres. Sometimes scented. Dark green leaves are triangular to heart-shaped and are often marbled on the top and purple beneath. Blooms well until it goes dormant in late spring.

Prefers partial to full shade and well-draining soil in a sheltered site.

With suitable preparation and care, bulbs will grow and flower well year after year. Prepare the planting site when soil is moist and easily worked after the first rains in autumn. Remove all weeds and incorporate bark, compost or other organic material. In Auckland, good drainage is essential for most winter-flowering bulbs. Prevent waterlogging by incorporating a generous layer of gritty material, such as coarse sand. Clay can also be broken up by adding gypsum and organic matter to the soil. For heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice or sand. Plant when the soil is moist and warm in autumn or early spring so that a good root system develops. Plant so the tuber is just below the surface in humus-rich, well-drained soil. In spring, apply organic fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre.

Avoid excessive summer moisture and mulch well when leaves wither. Apply a balanced fertiliser each spring.

Pest and disease free.

Magnolia Garden