Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink' is a beautiful hardy cyclamen combining bright pink autumn flowers with striking silvery foliage. Flowering from September to November, it brings colour to shady areas just as many summer plants are beginning to fade.

The flowers emerge on slender reddish stems, often appearing before the leaves have fully developed. Each has the characteristic swept-back petals of Cyclamen in shades of clear to deeper pink. The foliage follows to create a low carpet of broad, ivy-shaped leaves heavily washed with silver. These attractive leaves persist through much of the winter before the plant becomes dormant during summer.

• Botanical name: Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink'
• Common name: Ivy-leaved Cyclamen
• Plant type: Hardy tuberous perennial
• Flower colour: Pink
• Foliage: Predominantly silver, ivy-shaped leaves
• Flowering time: September-November
• Height: 8-15cm
• Spread: Approximately 15-20cm
• Position: Partial shade or dappled shade
• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
• Ideal for: Woodland gardens, beneath trees and shrubs, shady borders, banks and naturalising

About Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink'

Cyclamen hederifolium is one of the most useful hardy Cyclamen species for British gardens. 'Silver Leaf Pink' is particularly desirable for its foliage, with the usual green and silver patterning replaced by leaves that are predominantly silvery-white. Darker green markings may remain towards the margins and along the veins, making every plant subtly different.

The foliage is almost as valuable as the flowers, providing attractive ground cover through autumn and winter when many woodland plants are dormant.

Pink Flowers for Autumn

Flowers usually begin appearing in September and can continue into November. The slender stems rise directly from the underground tuber and carry elegant pink flowers with strongly reflexed petals.

Planting several tubers together creates a particularly effective display, with the pink flowers appearing above a developing carpet of silver leaves. Established colonies can produce an impressive show each autumn.

Where to Plant Cyclamen Silver Leaf Pink

Choose a position in partial or dappled shade. Beneath deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal, although plants will tolerate brighter conditions where the soil does not become excessively hot and dry.

A humus-rich, freely draining soil suits Cyclamen hederifolium particularly well. Incorporating leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter can help recreate the woodland conditions it enjoys. Good drainage is important, as the tubers should not sit in persistently waterlogged ground.

Planting Cyclamen hederifolium Tubers

Plant the tubers with the growing surface uppermost and cover with approximately 3-5cm of soil. Allow around 15-20cm between plants if creating a colony. Irregular groups generally give a more natural appearance than planting in straight rows.

Once established, plants are best left relatively undisturbed. Mature tubers can become surprisingly large and produce increasing numbers of flowers each year.

Height and Spread

'Silver Leaf Pink' remains low growing, reaching approximately 8-15cm in height. Individual established plants can develop a spread of around 15-20cm, while self-seeding plants can eventually form much larger colonies.

Excellent for Naturalising

Cyclamen hederifolium is an excellent bulbous perennial for naturalising. Once happy, plants can set seed and gradually spread beneath trees, shrubs and hedges. Seedlings may vary slightly in their silver foliage patterns, adding further interest to an established colony.

For the best chance of naturalisation, avoid disturbing the soil around established plants and allow the seed capsules to mature naturally.

Seasonal Growth

This Cyclamen follows a useful growth cycle for woodland planting. Flowers appear in autumn, followed by foliage that remains attractive through winter and into spring. The leaves then die back naturally as the plant enters its summer dormancy.

Do not worry when the foliage disappears. The tuber remains dormant beneath the soil before beginning another cycle of flowering and growth as conditions cool towards autumn.

Growing in Containers

The exceptional silver foliage also makes 'Silver Leaf Pink' an attractive choice for pots, troughs and other containers. Its leaves can be appreciated particularly well when grown somewhere close to a path, doorway or seating area.

Use a fertile but freely draining compost and avoid allowing containers to remain waterlogged during wet weather.

Wildlife Benefits

The autumn flowers can provide nectar and pollen for late-flying pollinating insects. Planting Cyclamen hederifolium alongside other autumn-flowering plants can help extend the season of available garden forage.

Why Grow Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink'?

• Bright pink flowers from September to November
• Striking predominantly silver foliage
• Provides attractive leaves throughout much of winter
• Hardy and well suited to UK gardens
• Excellent beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
• Compact height of 8-15cm
• Suitable for naturalising
• Useful for woodland and shady garden planting
• Can also be grown in pots and troughs
• Long-lived once established

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink' flower?
It flowers in autumn, typically from September through to November.

How tall does it grow?
Plants usually reach around 8-15cm tall when in flower.

What is the spread of Cyclamen Silver Leaf Pink?
An established plant typically spreads around 15-20cm. Self-seeding can eventually create much larger colonies.

Is Cyclamen hederifolium hardy in the UK?
Yes. Cyclamen hederifolium is a hardy species and is very well suited to growing outdoors in UK gardens.

Does it need full shade?
No. Partial or dappled shade is ideal, particularly beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It can tolerate some sun where the soil remains suitable.

Why does the foliage disappear in summer?
Summer dormancy is part of its natural growth cycle. The leaves die back during the warmer months while the tuber remains dormant underground.

Will Cyclamen hederifolium naturalise?
Yes. It is particularly good for naturalising and can gradually self-seed to form attractive colonies when grown in suitable conditions.

With its combination of vivid pink autumn flowers and luminous silver foliage, Cyclamen hederifolium 'Silver Leaf Pink' offers interest over an unusually long season. Plant it beneath trees and shrubs or through a woodland border where it can settle in and gradually develop into an impressive autumn display.