Cyclamens need cooler temperatures to bloom. Unlike other perennials, they do not bloom in summer, but only in late autumn to spring. But are they sufficiently hardy or do they need frost protection?
Are cyclamen hardy?
Not all cyclamens are hardy, it depends on the species, variety and location. Early spring, summer and autumn cyclamen are well hardy. Sensitive species such as Cyclamen persicum should overwinter indoors. Protective measures such as a layer of compost or leaves can help.
Not every cyclamen survives the winter
One cannot say as a general rule that every cyclamen is hardy. On the one hand, it depends on the type and variety. On the other hand, it depends on the location and the temperature and weather conditions there.
Average winter hardiness: -20 to -25 °C
Most cyclamens on the market can tolerate winter temperatures down to -25 °C (down to -20 °C in unprotected locations). But there are also extreme cases that can face frost down to -40 °C without fear.
Well hardy cyclamen
The cyclamen that are often planted in gardens in this country and are considered to be relatively hardy (without winter protection) include the following specimens:
- Early spring cyclamen
- Summer cyclamen
- Autumn Cyclamen
Also cultivated outdoors, but should be provided with winter protection, these species can be given their Latin names:
- Cyclamen intaminatum
- Cyclamen cilicium
- Cyclamen mirabile
- Cyclamen parviflorum
- Cyclamen pseudibericum
- Cyclamen repandum
- Cyclamen trochopteranthum
Sensitive little ones would rather hibernate over the winter
The most well-known species, Cyclamen persicum, is one of the most sensitive species. It is usually also declared as an indoor cyclamen and is not suitable for outdoor use. Only in summer should it be planted/placed in the garden or on the balcony in a shady place.
Cyclamen balearicum, Cyclamen creticum, Cyclamen graecum, Cyclamen repandum, Cyclamen africanum, Cyclamen cyprium, Cyclamen libanoticum, Cyclamen rohlfsianum and Cyclamen somalense are also considered sensitive to frost. All of these specimens are more suitable for cultivation in a warm apartment.
They should be brought over the winter as follows:
- house in the pot (if necessary, place on the balcony and cover with fleece)
- cool place: 12 to 15 °C
- bright, but not sunny all day
- fertilize moderately
- water regularly
- Plucking out wilted flowers
Protecting garden cyclamen in cool regions
Cyclamens that are outdoors, such as in the garden, should be planted 5 to 7 cm deep in the soil. If the tuber is not covered enough with soil, it will freeze in winter. It is also advisable to surround these cyclamens with a protective layer, for example made of compost (€41.00 on Amazon), leaves, brushwood, fir branches or spruce branches.
Bring cyclamen into the house when it is blooming
In general, it is recommended to bring the cyclamen into the house to overwinter when they are in bloom or from autumn onwards. The garden is rarely entered in winter. In your home, however, you can enjoy the cyclamen flowers all winter long. If the cyclamen are left outside, they usually don't bloom until February.
Tips & Tricks
Look carefully when buying cyclamen! Some specimens are boastfully declared to be 'hardy', but can only tolerate a minimum temperature of -5 °C.
