Cyclamen Cyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye' (Sierra Series)
ABOUT
Cyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye,' a member of the Sierra Series, is distinctive for its striking floral and foliage features. The plant is known for its beautiful, upswept flowers that resemble a flock of butterflies hovering just above the foliage. Each flower possesses an elegant white color with a contrasting dark or magenta 'eye' at the base, which adds depth and intrigue to its appearance. The petals are reflexed, meaning they sweep back, creating an impression of movement and grace. The leaves of Cyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye' are just as attractive as its flowers. They form a low-growing, compact rosette that sits close to the ground. The foliage is heart-shaped, with a deep green color and often adorned with attractive silver marbling or patterning that varies from leaf to leaf. This marbling gives the plant an ornamental quality even when it's not in bloom. The texture of the leaves is somewhat fleshy with a smooth surface. Overall, the combination of its striking flowers and ornamental leaves makes Cyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye' a coveted plant for ornamental purposes in various settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Persian Cyclamen, Florist's Cyclamen, Sowbread
Common names
Cyclamen persicum 'Sierra White With Eye'.
ToxicityTo humans
Cyclamen, including the Cyclamen 'Sierra White with Eye', is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains saponins which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and feelings of nausea. Ingesting large quantities can result in more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, seizures, and heart rhythm abnormalities. It is important to handle cyclamen with care and to keep them out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant parts.
To pets
Cyclamen is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The plant's toxic compounds, primarily saponins, are concentrated in the tubers (roots) but can be present in all parts of the plant. Symptoms of cyclamen poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation, and lack of appetite. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death, particularly if a large amount of the tuber is consumed. It is advisable to keep cyclamen out of reach of pets and to consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Produces beautiful white flowers with a distinctive eye, adding visual interest to gardens and indoor settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms primarily in cooler seasons, providing color and vibrancy when many other plants are dormant.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it ideal for container gardening, perfect for balconies and small spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, can tolerate dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Typically not palatable to deer and rabbits, which can help minimize garden damage.
- Long Blooming: Enjoy an extended blooming period compared to many other plants, offering longer-lasting displays.
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 flowers often serve as a muse for artists and photographers due to their striking patterns and unique beauty, inspiring paintings, drawings, and detailed macro photography.
- Theme Gardens: Cyclamen can be used to create specific color-themed gardens, such as a white garden featuring 'Sierra White With Eye', to give a peaceful monochrome aesthetic.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers may use the Cyclamen to demonstrate plant life cycles, parts of a flower, and pollinator relationships to students.
- Craft Projects: The distinctive flowers and heart-shaped leaves of Cyclamen can be used in pressed flower crafts, such as bookmarks or greeting cards.
- Ice Cubes: Blossoms of Cyclamen can be frozen into ice cubes to create visually captivating additions for punch bowls or decorative cold beverages for events.
- Floral Arrangements: Cyclamen plants or individual blooms can be incorporated into floral arrangements for a touch of elegance in bouquets or table centerpieces.
- Fairy Gardens: Cyclamen's petite size and enchanting appearance make them suitable for incorporation into fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Living Gifts: Cyclamen plants are often given as living, sustainable alternatives to cut flowers for occasions like housewarmings or hostess gifts.
- Color Dye: The pigments of Cyclamen flowers can be used to naturally dye fabrics or paper, although the process may be complex and the results less vibrant than commercial dyes.
- Perfumery Inspiration: While not commonly used for its scent in commercial perfumery, the subtle fragrance of Cyclamen can inspire perfume makers in their scent compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cyclamen is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cyclamen is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Maternal Love: Cyclamen, commonly regarded as a symbol of maternal love, is often shared as a gift on Mother's Day or in contexts celebrating motherhood.
- Devotion: The upward-sweeping petals of cyclamen represent deep and enduring devotion or attachment.
- Sincere Affection: Often given as a token of sincere affection, cyclamen is considered to embody genuine feelings from one person to another.
- Goodbye: In certain cultures, cyclamen is a parting gift symbolizing a wish for happiness and relief from pain and suffering, as in "saying goodbye" with positive intentions.
- Resilience and Survival: Due to its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and less favorable conditions, cyclamen signifies resilience and the will to survive against the odds.
WaterCyclamen prefer to be watered from the bottom to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Set the pot in a tray of water for about 15 minutes, allowing the roots to draw up the moisture they require. Water once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may be around every 7 to 10 days, but you should always check the soil moisture level before watering. Cyclamen typically need about one pint to one quart of water per watering, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions.
LightCyclamen thrive in bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is often the best position, providing the necessary light without the harsh direct afternoon sun that can scorch their leaves. Avoid placing them in full shade or direct sunlight, as neither condition is ideal for the health and flowering of the plant.
TemperatureCyclamen prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F during the day and no lower than 50°F at night. They can tolerate a brief period outside of this range, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 77°F or below 50°F can be detrimental to the plant. The ideal temperature conditions help encourage flowering and maintain plant health.
PruningCyclamen should be pruned to remove yellowing or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. The best time to prune is right after the flowers have faded. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the flowering season to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Cyclamen, a soil mix with equal parts peat, perlite, and potting mix works well, ensuring good drainage and aeration. Cyclamen prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingCyclamen should be repotted every one to two years, best done when they are dormant in the summer after the foliage has died down.
Humidity & MistingCyclamen thrive with moderate to high humidity levels, between 40-70%. Avoid excessively dry air to prevent wilting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep away from heat sources.
Outdoor
Partial shade, sheltered from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleCyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye' starts its life as a seed, which when sown, germinates to produce a small tuber. The tuber enters a stage of vegetative growth, developing roots, leaves, and eventually a flower stalk. The plant flowers, producing distinctive white petals with a contrasting eye, primarily in the fall and winter months. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seed capsules that ripen and eventually release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. During the summer, the plant enters a dormancy phase where the foliage dies back, and the tuber rests before resuming growth in the cooler months. The plant continues this cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy annually, with the tuber enlarging each year and potentially producing offsets for vegetative propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Cyclamen 'Sierra White With Eye', a florist's cyclamen, is by seed. The best time to sow cyclamen seeds is in the late summer or early fall. To propagate, soak the seeds for 12-24 hours to soften the tough outer coating. After soaking, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, covering them lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds require darkness to germinate, so place them in a shaded area or cover them with a dark material. Germination can take several weeks to a couple of months, and it is important to maintain a steady temperature of approximately 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 degrees Celsius) during this period. Once seedlings appear, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions.
