Surprise!

They’ve been there since we moved in, an echo of the former garden and its inhabitants.  Cyclamen belong to a relatively small genus taking up just over a page in The RHS Plantfinder.  Cyclamen hederifolium has many cultivars, mainly in pinks and pure white, but it’s not just the flowers that are an attraction.  The leaves have been a target for the breeders too.  Silver leaves edged in green, pure silver, and silver veined.  Of course, the leaves are visible far longer than the flowers so a decorative leaf is always good for bringing some attention into a shady spot.

We’re thinking of adding another cyclamen to our collection. Delicate Cyclamen coum starts flowering in late winter, sometimes mingling with some of the later snowdrops.  With heart shaped leaves it’s a no-fuss low-maintenance way to add even more colour to a dappled, shady spot

In the meantime as the garden slowly starts to wind down with the effects of dropping temperatures we’re going to make sure we pass by the walnut tree to enjoy these diminutive little plants.  They can’t compete with a dahlia for size but in the beauty department they can compete with the best of them.