Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Cyclamen coum
Persian Violet
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Height
- 5 to 6 inches
- Width
- 6 to 8 inches
- Flower color
- Shades of pink, magenta, or white
- Foliage color
- Deep green with silver marbling
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Minimal once established
- Growing zone
- 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators; deer resistant
About this plant
Cyclamen coum is a delightful perennial native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, known for its delicate, colorful flowers and attractive foliage. The plant features heart-shaped to round leaves with deep green and silver marbling, which add ornamental value even when not in bloom. In late winter to early spring, it produces distinctive flowers with reflexed petals in shades of pink, magenta, or white, rising above the foliage on slender stems.
Preferring partial to full shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil, Cyclamen coum thrives in cool, moist conditions and is ideal for woodland and rock gardens or as underplanting for trees and shrubs. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, benefiting from mulch to retain moisture and protect its shallow roots, with careful watering to avoid waterlogged soil, especially during the summer dormancy period.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Pathways & Walkways · Rock Gardens · Under Trees
Companion plants
Ferns · Primroses · Hostas · Epimedium · Hellebores · Japanese anemones
Design tip
Nestle this cyclamen among exposed roots, mossy stones, or shaded garden pockets where its small flowers can be discovered unexpectedly. These intimate plantings encourage closer exploration, giving woodland gardens a sense of depth, surprise, and seasonal charm.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
