Cyclamen cilicium f. album, commonly known as the White Cilician Cyclamen, is a beautiful autumn-flowering species with delicate pure white flowers held above attractively patterned foliage. Native to southern Turkey, it is a choice plant for sheltered woodland gardens, rockeries and alpine collections.

The flowers appear from September to November, typically before or alongside the new season's leaves. Each bloom has elegantly swept-back white petals, often with a subtle darker marking around the mouth. The rounded to heart-shaped leaves are equally attractive, displaying intricate silver-grey marbling against deep green.

• Botanical name: Cyclamen cilicium f. album
• Common name: White Cilician Cyclamen
• Plant type: Hardy to semi-hardy tuberous perennial
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering time: September-November
• Height: 5-10cm
• Spread: Approximately 10-15cm
• Position: Dappled or partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, humus-rich and very well-drained
• Hardiness: Best given winter protection in colder or wetter UK gardens
• Ideal for: Sheltered woodland gardens, rockeries, alpine houses and containers

About Cyclamen cilicium f. album

Cyclamen cilicium is native to the mountainous regions of southern Turkey, where it grows amongst rocks and woodland. The album form replaces the usual pale pink flowers with clean white blooms, creating a particularly elegant display.

Like many species Cyclamen, its appeal extends well beyond the flowers. The leaves emerge with distinctive pale silver or grey-green markings, and individual plants can show considerable variation in their patterns. This attractive foliage provides interest through the cooler months after flowering has finished.

Autumn Flowers for Shady Gardens

White Cilician Cyclamen flowers during September, October and November, bringing fresh colour to the garden when many summer perennials are beginning to fade. The flowers are held individually on slender stems above the ground, creating a light and delicate display.

At only 5-10cm tall, it works particularly well towards the front of a sheltered border, beneath deciduous shrubs or amongst rocks where its small flowers and patterned leaves can be appreciated at close range.

Where to Plant White Cilician Cyclamen

Choose a sheltered position in dappled or partial shade. A site beneath deciduous trees or shrubs can work particularly well, providing light while the Cyclamen is actively growing and shade as the overhead canopy develops.

Excellent drainage is essential. In its natural habitat, Cyclamen cilicium grows in rocky conditions where excess water drains away readily. In UK gardens, prolonged winter wet can be more troublesome than cold alone, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

Growing Cyclamen cilicium in the UK

This species is less reliably hardy than some of the Cyclamen commonly grown outdoors in Britain. It is therefore best planted in a warm, sheltered position, particularly in colder regions or gardens with heavy winter rainfall.

Where conditions are unsuitable, grow the tubers in containers kept in a cold frame or alpine house. This allows the plants to experience cool winter conditions while protecting them from excessive rain and severe weather.

Planting Cyclamen cilicium Tubers

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil with plenty of drainage. A gritty woodland-style mixture is ideal. Unlike some bulbs, Cyclamen tubers should not be planted excessively deeply. Position the tuber relatively shallowly and cover it with a few centimetres of soil or compost.

When growing in pots, use a free-draining compost and ensure the container has unrestricted drainage holes. Avoid leaving pots standing in water during winter.

Height and Spread

Cyclamen cilicium f. album is a compact plant, reaching approximately 5-10cm in height with a typical spread of around 10-15cm. Established tubers can gradually increase in size and produce more flowers and foliage each year.

Seasonal Growth

The flowers usually emerge in autumn, followed by attractive patterned foliage. The leaves remain through the cooler part of the year before naturally dying back as the plant enters its summer dormancy.

This seasonal disappearance is entirely normal. Once dormant, keep the tuber relatively dry and avoid disturbing its position unnecessarily. Growth will resume as conditions cool later in the year.

Growing in Containers

Container cultivation is an excellent option for Cyclamen cilicium f. album, particularly for gardeners in colder or wetter parts of the UK. Its small size makes it ideal for alpine pots, troughs and specialist bulb collections.

A pot also makes it easier to admire the intricate leaf markings and delicate white flowers. Place it somewhere sheltered from prolonged winter rain while still allowing plenty of light and air circulation.

Why Grow Cyclamen cilicium f. album?

• Elegant pure white autumn flowers
• Beautifully silver-marbled green foliage
• Flowers from September to November
• Compact growth for small spaces
• Excellent beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
• Ideal for alpine houses and sheltered containers
• Provides both flower and foliage interest
• A choice species Cyclamen for collectors

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Cyclamen cilicium f. album flower?
It usually flowers from September to November, with the foliage appearing during the autumn growing period.

How tall does White Cilician Cyclamen grow?
It is a compact species, generally reaching around 5-10cm tall.

What is its spread?
An established plant typically spreads to approximately 10-15cm, gradually increasing as the tuber matures.

Is Cyclamen cilicium hardy in the UK?
It can survive outdoors in suitable sheltered, well-drained positions, but it is best given protection from severe cold and excessive winter wet. In exposed or colder gardens, growing it in a cold frame or alpine house is safer.

Does Cyclamen cilicium prefer sun or shade?
Dappled or partial shade is ideal. A sheltered position beneath deciduous trees or shrubs closely suits its natural growth cycle.

Can I grow White Cilician Cyclamen in a pot?
Yes. Container cultivation is particularly useful in the UK because the tuber can be protected from excessive winter rainfall while its attractive flowers and foliage can be displayed at close range.

Does it die back in summer?
Yes. Cyclamen cilicium naturally becomes dormant as conditions become warmer and drier. The foliage disappears before fresh growth returns later in the year.

With its delicate white autumn flowers and beautifully marbled leaves, Cyclamen cilicium f. album is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for something a little different for a sheltered shady position. Its compact size also makes it especially rewarding as a specimen plant in pots, troughs and alpine collections.