12-03-2003, 03:44 AM
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Hardy cyclamen?
In article ,
(Ted Byers) wrote:
I saw a reference book in the bookstore an hour ago, and it claimed
that cyclamen is winter hardy to zone 3, which in my part of Canada
extends rather far north of where I am. I thought cyclamen were
delicate plants that wouldn't have a chance in a Canadian winter.
They certainly look delicate and tender to me. Was I mistaken? The
author claimed that it is a plant that is very hard to kill.
Cheers,
Ted
Coincidentally I just today posted a long thing on hardy cyclamens, under
the subject header "Cyclamen Notes" which lists the hardiest ones. In Zone
3, I suppose you might be restricted to C. hederifolium. It'll live a
century & even if winters drop to minus 20 degrees F., Cyclamen
hederofolium will chug along happy as snow monkeys. Where winter
temperatures rarely drop to zero F., several other species are suitable, &
especially Cylamen coum. I love love love love cyclamens. The rumor that
they're difficult is due to the "florist cyclamens" (fancy cultivars of C.
persicum). These almost always drop dead shortly after being given to
terminally ill relatives as stupid gaudy presents. But to blame all
cyclamens for that is unfair to the hardy species.
-paghat the ratgirl
--
"Of what are you afraid, my child?" inquired the kindly teacher.
"Oh, sir! The flowers, they are wild," replied the timid creature.
-from Peter Newell's "Wild Flowers"
See the Garden of Paghat the Ratgirl: http://www.paghat.com/
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