PLANT OF THE MONTH
December 2020 — Cyclamen
Common Name: Cyclamen
Latin Name: Cyclamen sp.
Family: Primulaceae
Type: Perennial bulb
Origin: Europe
Location at Bloedel Reserve: Rhodedendron Glen
Garden Uses: Seasonal interest, great for containers
Fun Fact: The “sp” in the botanical (Latin) name this month means that we are including all species of cyclamen for December’s plant pick. Here at Bloedel Reserve we have several species of cyclamen including cuom, hederifolium, and purpurascens. Each has slightly different characteristics. C. cuom has the roundest leaves of the bunch and tends to be slower growing. C. hederifolium has angular leaves with more distinct points. C. purpurascens is slightly fragrant, with rounded, heart-shaped leaves. See if you can spot the different species around the Rhododendron Glen. It’s not as easy as you might think!