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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Cyclamen coum

Persian Violet

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.

Light

Partial to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

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.