Persian cyclamen Cyclamen 'Sierra Fuchsia' (Sierra Series)
ABOUT
Cyclamen 'Sierra Fuchsia' of the Sierra Series is a vibrant and charming plant known for its striking, colorful flowers and attractive foliage. This variety showcases bright fuchsia-colored blooms that are distinct for their upswept petals, creating an elegant, reflexed look that's reminiscent of butterflies in flight. Each flower features a base highlighted by a contrasting, deeper hue that radiates outwards, accentuating the petal's shape and color. The heart-shaped leaves form a lush, decorative base for the flowers, with their dark green upper surface that's often adorned with intricate patterns of silver or pale green. When the plant is in full bloom, it presents a striking combination of vivid fuchsia flowers that dance above the patterned foliage, making it a standout addition to indoor spaces or shaded outdoor areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Persian Violet, Sowbread, Alpine Violet, Eastern Cyclamen.
Common names
Cyclamen persicum 'Sierra Fuchsia'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen is a plant that can be toxic to humans if ingested. The most toxic part is the tuber (root), which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ingesting this plant may lead to symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe issues such as heart rhythm abnormalities if consumed in large quantities. Care should be taken to prevent children from eating any part of the plant.
To pets
Cyclamen is also toxic to pets, with the tuber being the most poisonous part. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even death. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets to avoid accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Fuchsia
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Middle East Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Cyclamen Sierra Fuchsia features vivid, fuchsia-colored flowers that add a pop of color to any garden or indoor setting.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a lengthy blooming period from fall to spring, providing color through multiple seasons.
- Compact Growth: This variety remains compact, making it suitable for flower beds, containers, and small spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies, beneficial for pollination and promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Cyclamen Sierra Fuchsia does not require extensive care, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, thus conserving water.
- Seasonal Interest: Its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and patterned foliage offer visual interest, even when not in bloom.
- Gift Plant: Its attractive flowers and ease of care make Cyclamen Sierra Fuchsia a popular choice as a gift plant, especially during holidays.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cyclamen can be used in educational settings such as biology classes to illustrate plant life cycles and reproductive strategies such as tuber formation and dormancy periods.
- In arts and crafts, the distinctive shape of Cyclamen leaves and flowers serves as an inspiration for botanical illustrations, watercolor paintings, and floral designs in textiles.
- As a tool for practicing photography, Cyclamen, with its vibrant colors and unique form, provides a great subject to learn macro photography and depth of field techniques.
- Cyclamen can be used in storytelling or literature to symbolize sincere love or deep affection as they are often given as a gift in some cultures.
- In landscaping, Cyclamen are suitable for creating seasonal displays due to their winter blooming in mild climates, providing color when most other plants are dormant.
- During festive seasons, especially Christmas, Cyclamen are popular for creating themed plant arrangements alongside other holiday plants such as poinsettias or holly.
- The plant can be used as a living color guide for artists and designers looking to replicate its hues of fuchsia in their works.
- Cyclamen might be used in scent gardens or therapeutic garden spaces for their subtle fragrance, which can be calming and add to the sensory experience of the area.
- The low-growing nature and tolerance for shade make Cyclamen a good candidate for underplanting beneath taller indoor plants or trees in a garden-like indoor atrium.
- In culinary presentations, although not edible, Cyclamen flowers can be used purely for decorative embellishment on plates or serving trays for their beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deep Love: Cyclamen, often given as a token of sincere and deep love, symbolizes the lasting affection between two people.
- Sincere Feelings: The plant is said to express feelings that are genuine and heartfelt, making it a heartfelt gift.
- Parting or Goodbye: In some contexts, cyclamen has been used to signify a parting or farewell, perhaps due to the fact that the flowers can lean downwards, evoking a sense of bowing or departure.
- Resilience: Cyclamen are known for their ability to thrive in cold climates and return every year, symbolizing resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterCyclamen plants should be watered whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering them about once a week. It's important to water cyclamens from the bottom to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. This can be done by filling a saucer with water and placing the pot in it, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up. Once the top inch of the soil is moist, remove any excess water from the saucer. Cyclamens generally require about one to two cups (8 to 16 ounces) of water per week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the size of the plant.
LightCyclamen, also commonly known as Persian violet or sowbread, thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers a north or east-facing window where it can receive plenty of light without the harshness of direct sun. Avoid placing it in full sun, especially during the heat of the day, as this can scorch its leaves and flowers.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for cyclamens is between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants prefer cooler conditions and should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. The cooler temperatures, especially at night, help prolong the flowering period.
PruningPruning cyclamens involves removing any yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. This should be done as needed to keep the plant healthy. The best time to prune is after blooming, typically in late winter or early spring, as the leaves begin to yellow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPersian violet thrives in well-draining potting mix with added perlite, peat moss, and compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.0 is ideal.
RepottingPersian violets should be repotted roughly every two years or when they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingPersian violets prefer average to high humidity levels, ideally between 50%-70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Persian violets in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Persian violets in dappled shade outside.
Hardiness zone
Persian violets are suitable for 9-11 USDA.
Life cycleCyclamen 'Sierra Fuchsia' begins its life cycle with seed germination which occurs under cool, moist conditions, typically in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds develop into small tubers, which will sprout roots and shoots, leading to the emergence of heart-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it produces its distinctive fuchsia-colored flowers, often in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate. After the blooming period, the flowers will wilt and the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in warmer summer months; during this time, the leaves may die back. Throughout its dormancy, the tuber remains alive underground, storing energy for the next growing season. With the return of cooler temperatures and moisture, the plant re-emerges from dormancy, initiating a new cycle of growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Cyclamen 'Sierra Fuchsia', commonly known as Sierra Series cyclamen, is most popularly propagated through seed sowing. To propagate through seeds, the best time is generally in late winter to early spring, where the temperatures are still cool, which is ideal for cyclamen seed germination. The process involves collecting seeds from the plant's mature pods and then sowing them into a well-draining seed starting mix. The seeds require darkness to germinate, so they should be covered with a thin layer of soil equivalent to the seed's size and kept at a temperature around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18 degrees Celsius). It typically takes several weeks to a couple of months for cyclamen seeds to germinate. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once they germinate and grow large enough to handle, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots.
