Persian Cyclamen Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' (Sierra Series)
ABOUT
Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and colorful appearance. It features heart-shaped, dark green leaves that are often accented with attractive silver marbling. The foliage creates a lush, ornamental base from which the distinctive flowers emerge. These blooms are characterized by their swept-back petals that resemble dainty butterfly wings. The flowers boast a breathtaking shade of pink, which gracefully transitions to a darker hue near the petal edges, creating a lovely bicolor effect. At the center of each flower, there's a contrasting dark pink to magenta eye that draws attention and adds depth to the overall floral display. The blossoms rise above the foliage on slender stems, creating a floating appearance that enhances the plant's decorative appeal. The vibrant colors and unique flower shape of Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' make it a popular choice for adding a splash of color to indoor spaces and shaded garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Persian Cyclamen, Alpine Violet, Sowbread
Common names
Cyclamen persicum 'Sierra Pink with Eye'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen is considered toxic to humans if ingested. This toxicity is due to the presence of saponins and other toxic compounds, primarily concentrated in the tubers. Ingesting parts of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious issues such as heart rhythm abnormalities or seizures. It is advisable to keep cyclamen plants out of reach of small children who may accidentally consume parts of the plant.
To pets
Cyclamen is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, with the highest concentration of toxic compounds found in the tubers. If a pet ingests any part of a cyclamen plant, symptoms may include salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death. Pet owners should prevent their pets from accessing cyclamen plants to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink with eye
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' is known for its striking pink flowers with a distinctive eye, adding color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Season: This plant typically has a prolonged blooming period which can last from autumn to spring, providing consistent color for an extended time.
- Compact Growth Habit: With its compact size, it's well-suited for small gardens, window boxes, and as a houseplant in limited space.
- Seasonal Interest: Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' flowers during fall and winter, a time when many other plants are dormant, bringing vibrancy during the cooler seasons.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering compared to other plants.
- Easy to Care For: It is generally easy to maintain, requiring minimal upkeep beyond regular watering and occasional feeding.
- Attracts Pollinators: While in bloom, the flowers attract pollinators such as bees, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Versatile Planting Options: It can be used in a variety of settings, including rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover under larger plants.
- Seasonal Gifts: Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' is often given as a gift during the holiday season because of its festive appearance and seasonal bloom time.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is known to be resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes it suitable for gardens where these animals are common pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Cyclamen's intricate pattern and color can inspire artists and designers for various forms of artwork, including textile patterns, paintings, and interior decor motifs.
- Education: The plant can be used in botany classes to teach students about geophytes and the lifecycle of perennial plants.
- Photography: Cyclamen's vibrant colors and unique patterns offer a great subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro photography and botanical themes.
- Floral arrangements: The flowers and leaves can be incorporated into non-traditional floral designs, providing texture and depth.
- Theme gardening: Cyclamen can contribute to a pink-themed garden or a Mediterranean-themed landscape design.
- Seasonal decorations: The flowers can be a part of live decor for occasions, especially events in the fall and early winter when cyclamen typically blooms.
- Feng Shui: Used in Feng Shui practices, Cyclamen is believed to attract love and positive energy into the home when placed in specific areas.
- Wedding bouquets: Cyclamen can be used in bridal bouquets for a unique and soft addition to the floral composition, especially for garden-style weddings.
- Crafts: Pressed cyclamen flowers can be used in crafting, such as creating personalized greeting cards, bookmarks, or decoupage projects.
- Color palettes: The Sierra Pink Cyclamen may serve as inspiration for color palettes in home decor, fashion design, and even web design, providing a blend of vibrant and subtle hues.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Sincerity: In the language of flowers, cyclamen often represent sincere love and affection, possibly due to their heart-shaped leaves and delicate, sweeping petals.
- Departure and Goodbye: Cyclamens are sometimes associated with parting or a farewell, suggesting a sentiment of saying goodbye or leaving a significant phase of life.
- Resilience and Survival: Cyclamens are known to thrive in cooler climates and can often survive in harsh conditions, thus symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure difficult situations.
- Motherly Love: The nurturing way the cyclamen plant grows and cares for its flowers has also given it the symbolism of a mother’s endless love.
- Empathy and Compassion: Because of their gentle appearance, cyclamens are thought to represent deep empathy and compassion towards others.
WaterCyclamen should be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch; usually, this is once a week, but it might be more frequent depending on environmental conditions. You should water the plant thoroughly, allowing water to run out of the drainage holes to ensure deep watering. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as Cyclamen, especially the Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye', is susceptible to root rot. Under typical indoor conditions, watering with half a gallon every 7-10 days should suffice. However, always adjust watering frequency based on the plant's response and seasonal changes.
LightThe Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' prefers bright, indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window is an ideal spot as it provides the moderate light that Cyclamen thrives in. Direct sunlight should be avoided, especially during the hot afternoon hours, as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureFor Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye', maintaining an ideal temperature between 60°F and 70°F is best for optimal growth. They can handle a brief period outside this range with a minimum of around 50°F and a maximum of around 80°F. However, temperatures above and below these thresholds can lead to plant stress.
PruningPruning Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' involves removing yellowing or wilted leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune as needed throughout the blooming period, and after blooming, trim back the foliage when it begins to die down naturally. The best time to prune is when you first notice the fading of leaves or flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cyclamen should be light, porous, and well-draining, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and potting soil. Cyclamen prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.5 to 7.
RepottingCyclamen should be repotted every 1-2 years, preferably when the plant is dormant, and the corm has started to outgrow its pot.
Humidity & MistingCyclamen prefer high humidity levels, around 50% or above, which can be maintained using a humidifier or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Cyclamen in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Cyclamen in dappled shade with shelter from intense sun.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' begins with seed germination, which takes place in a warm and moist environment, requiring several weeks to sprout. After germination, seedlings grow into juvenile plants with a small corm, from which foliage and roots develop. The plant enters a vegetative stage, producing heart-shaped leaves and establishing a robust root system. Flowering occurs when the plant is mature enough, typically displaying the characteristic pink flowers with a distinctive eye at the center. After pollination and flowering, the plant sets seed, which when dispersed can lead to new plants, continuing the cycle. Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye' has a period of dormancy, usually during the warm summer months, where it appears to die back, only to regrow from the corm when cooler, favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Cyclamen 'Sierra Pink with Eye', best propagated by seed, should be sown in late summer to early fall. The seeds require a period of pre-chill, often accomplished by placing them in the refrigerator for several weeks to simulate winter conditions. After chilling, seeds are sown on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and covered with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. They need consistent moisture and should be kept at a temperature of approximately 65°F (18°C). Once the seeds germinate, which can take several weeks to a couple of months, seedlings can be grown on in cooler conditions before being planted out after the risk of frost has passed.
