Cyclamens are known to most plant lovers as perennials in pots that are available in stores from September onwards. They decorate the apartment throughout the fall and winter. But can they survive outside or even be cultivated for several years?
Can cyclamens be planted and cared for outside?
Some cyclamens can be grown outside, such as early spring, summer and autumn cyclamen. Make sure you choose a semi-shady to shady location, mulch the root area, fertilize annually with compost and water sparingly. In winter, additionally protect with leaves and brushwood.
Few cyclamens are equipped for outdoors
There are a handful of cyclamens that can survive the temperatures outside. These include, among others, the three most famous cyclamens for the garden. These are the early spring cyclamen, the summer cyclamen and the autumn cyclamen. These species tolerate frost and can even be brought through the cool season without winter protection.
Planting cyclamen outside
If the cyclamen is to be placed outside, the right location is essential. It should definitely be partially shaded to shady. A place in full sun means: too much heat and risk of drought in summer. Cyclamen absolutely cannot tolerate this! The location can be under shady trees.
What care do cyclamens need outside?
Cyclamens that are meant to be left outside permanently don't need much care. The following is sufficient:
- Mulching the root area
- fertilize with compost once a year
- Do not fertilize between May and July
- water sparingly
- Protect in winter with a layer of leaves and brushwood as a precaution
Planting out indoor cyclamen in spring
Many gardeners who have a cyclamen in a pot in their room do it like this: They wait until the flowering period is over in February. Then slowly get your plant used to the cooler outside temperatures (e.g. place it on the balcony during the day). Between April and May you plant your cyclamen outdoors, for example in the shade of a hedge.
It is easier to oversummer a cyclamen outside. It quickly gets too warm in the house in summer, the air is dry and the cyclamen doesn't look nice either because it has retreated (resting time).
Tips & Tricks
Don't forget to bring your cyclamen back home around September. Otherwise, you might miss its heyday.
