Stunning autumn cyclamen are in flower at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst

Autumn is a great time of year for cyclamens where beautiful displays of the Cyclamen hederifolium can be seen at both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst.

30 Aug 2011

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Cyclamen at Kew Gardens (Photograph by Andrew McRobb)

Introducing Cyclamen hederifolium

Cyclamen hederifolium is one of the hardiest and the most commonly grown species of cyclamen. It begins to flower in late summer but peaks in September and October.

The plants are actually flowering a little early this year, as they have for the last three seasons. They are triggered to start growth and flowering as the temperature falls, signalling the Mediterranean autumn. As our summer now seems to be hotter in June and then cooling down, the plants “think” it is autumn, and start flowering early.

The charming flowers range from pale to deep pink and white and appear before the leaves. The deep green leaves are exquisitely marked with silvery patterns and last through winter and into spring before the plant dies down for the summer ready to delight us with its presence again in August.

Although common in cultivation these beautiful plants are nowadays threatened in the wild.

At Kew Gardens they can be seen in both the Woodland and Rock Gardens, whilst at Wakehurst you can find them opposite the Visitor Centre, providing a wonderful splash of colour as you enter the gardens.

You can help to support Kew’s work by sponsoring a display of flowering bulbs

Sponsoring one of Kew’s renowned bulb displays is a very special way to celebrate the life of a loved one, mark a birthday, special anniversary or family event.

Some spectacular plantings are available for sponsorship including the Cyclamen hederifolium at Wakehurst Place and at Kew Gardens the Autumn Crocus Colchicum speciosum which is also coming into flower.

These bulb displays are available for sponsorship of £250 each and funds raised will be used for the planting and maintenance of the Gardens. Your dedication will be recorded on the Commemorative Touchscreen Register, and you will receive a personalised certificate detailing your chosen species. Find out more about how you can sponsor a display of flowering bulbs or pick up our Gardens Full of Memories leaflet next time you visit.

For further information regarding Commemorative Giving, please contact Jill Taylor: