|
 December
1998
 Buxus
microphylla
'Kingsville'
November
1998
Orostachys
malacophyllus
October
1998
Artemisia
schmidtiana
nana
September
1998
Athyrium
nipponicum
'Pictum'
 August
1998
Cyclamen
purpurascens
July
1998
Thalictrum
kiusianum
June
1998
Geranium
cinereum
subcaulescens
May
1998
Genista
dalmatica
April
1998
Aquilegia
discolor
March
1998
Pulsatilla
patens
February
1998
Helleborus
x hybridus
January
1998
Orostachys
spinosa
Archive 2004
Archive
2003
Archive
2002
Archive
2001
Archive
2000
Archive
1999
Archive
1997
|
Plant
of the Month
August
1998
Cyclamen
purpurascens
by Iza Goroff
Cyclamen
purpurascens (formerly Cyclamen
europeum) is found in south central Europe, growing
in both woodland and open situations.
Cyclamen fatrense is usually
considered a variety of this species, and the cultural
suggestions and hardiness evaluation apply to it, as
well.
Like many cyclamens C.
purpurascens is summer dormant. It frequently leads
with its flowers, although the leaves soon follow. Different
clones have varied patterns of silvery markings on their
leaves. Flowers range in color from the more common
purple-rose to white. It is valuable for flowering in
August, a low point for most rock gardens.
Of all of the species of cyclamen this is the hardiest,
surviving -32 degrees F (-35 C). However, it is not easy to
establish. It grows best in a well drained, sandy, gravely,
lime soil with a gravel mulch. It is relatively easy to grow
from seed, the most practical means of propagation. It forms
a corm-like tuber whose top is usually at the soil surface.
The tuber can get quite large with age, sometimes exceeding
3" (8 cm) in diameter. It is sometimes eaten by rodents. To
flower well the plant must have some sun, although it is
primarily a shade plant.
In the Northeast USA there are only three species of
cyclamen which can be grown out of doors: the above, C.
coum, and C.
hederifolium. The Cyclamen
Society has a web site that is devoted to cyclamen and
which covers many species.
|
