Ivydene Gardens Bulb, Corm, Rhizome and Tuber Gallery:
Bulb Index: C - Page 2 with
Extra Bulb Index: C in the table on the extreme right

Bulb, Corm, Rhizome or Tuber Name -
from 1000 Ground-cover
Plants are in brown text

Major source of honey in the UK Yes/No
Used by
HoneyBees - HB,
Short-Tongued Bumblebees - ST,
Long-Tongued Bumblebees - LT,
Solitary
Bees - SOL

Flower Colour with
Flower Thumbnail

Flowering
Months
with Link to Flower Colour Comparison Page in that month

Form Thumbnail
and

Mat,
Cushion,
Spreading,
Clump,
Stemless,
Upright
as its form

Height x Width in inches (cms) -

1 inch = 2.5 cms,

12 inches = 1 foot = 30 cms,

36 inches = 3 feet = 1 yard = 90 cms,

40 inches = 100 cms

Seed Head Thumbnail

Soil

Sun Aspect

Soil Moisture

Foliage Colour with Foliage Thumbnail

Bulb Use

Comments

CROCUS - All Crocus and Cyclamen have Stemless Form.

Plant 4 inches (10 cms) deep in average well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and 6 inches (15 cms) apart in September. If planting in clay soil, remove soil to 8 inches (20 cms) deep, work very sharp sand or gravel into the bottom of the area, and mix a little with the clay soil to bring the depth up to 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms), before placing the bulbs in position and refilling with 50% soil 50% sharp sand.

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. They can also be planted 4 inches (10 cms) deep in 10 inch (25 cms) pots with 50% sharp sand and 50% Multipurpose Compost mixture.

Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil. The grass should be mown short a month before flowers appear and all mowing stopped whilst the crocus are in flower and leaf. The autumn-flowering crocuses will have made their leaf growth and the foliage will have died down by the time in the spring when the grass needs cutting.

The larger-sized corms of particular varieties can be rested in the neck of a crocus vase so that the bottom of the corm is just above the water level, then place on a window-cill in the kitchen to give you the flowers before planting out in the garden when in leaf.

Autumn-flowering Crocus

Crocus banaticus

Lilac to Purple

September, October

3-4 x 15
(8-10 x 38)

One of the most unusual flowered of all Crocus. It is slow to increase but is definitely worth any effort it takes to grow this one.

Crocus asturicus var. atripurpureus

Light and Dark Violet

September, October, November, December

3-4 x 10
(8-10 x 25)

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. 7 Green leaves, 3-4 inches long, are produced at flowering time; elongating afterward and then can be cut off in April.

Crocus asumaniae

White to Pale Lilac

October, November

3-4 x 10
(8-10 x 25)

Green leaves are produced at flowering time; and then can be cut off in April. A very rare species from Turkey, with goblet shaped white to pale lilac flowers with eye-catching large red stigma.

Crocus boryi

Creamy-White

September, October, November, December

3-4 x 15
(8-10 x 38)

The thin u-shaped 4 inch Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

This bulb is from Greece, so this species needs the shelter of a greenhouse, but produces exquisite white flowers flushed with a pale sulphur tint. The stigmata are an eye-catching bright scarlet.

Crocus is a Chaldean name meaning "saffron". In the wild, the plants are found over much of Europe, especially around the Mediterranean, in North Africa, and in Western Asia.

Crocus cambessedesii

White to Deep Lilac,
striped Purple

September, October, November, December

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. They can also be planted 4 inches (10 cms) deep in 10 inch (25 cms) pots with 50% sharp sand and 50% Multipurpose Compost mixture.
Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil.

Crocus cancellatus
cancellatus

Pale to Mid Lilac-Blue

September, October, November, December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

Flowering time varies from the end of September to early December without the leaves. The flowering time will vary by as much as 2 or 3 months. Needs to be grown in a cool greenhouse rather than in the garden.

Crocus cancellatus
lycius

Creamy-White

September, October, November, December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

This bulb produces wonderful creamy white flowers with bright orange stigmata. Again, one for the cool greenhouse as it needs a warm dry period of dormancy in the summer.

Crocus cancellatus
pamphylicus

White

September, October, November, December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

Flowering time varies from the end of September to early December without the leaves. The flowering time will vary by as much as 2 or 3 months. This bulb needs to be grown in a cool greenhouse rather than in the garden. Does need to be allowed to dry out over the summer.

Crocus
cartwrightianus

Pale to deep Lilac-Purple or White, darker veins

October, November,
December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

The main attraction of this species is the long, bright red styles and shorter bright yellow stamens. Quite an eye catching flower!! It will grow outdoors in a sunny spot in very well drained soil but is best grown in a pot in a cool greenhouse.

Crocus
cartwrightianus 'Albus'

Pure White

October, November,
December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

The 10-12 inch (25-30 cms) long Green leaves are produced after the flowers

The main attraction of this species is the long, bright red styles and shorter bright yellow stamens. It will grow outdoors in a sunny spot in very well drained soil but is best grown in a pot in a cool greenhouse.

This bulb is a stunning species with pure white flowers.

Crocus goulimyi

Soft Lilac

October, November

4 x 15
(10 x 38)

The 9-10 inch long Green leaves are produced with the flowers

Scented blooms with the leaves. Requires well drained soil but otherwise will grow outdoors.

Native to Greece and introduced 1955. This bulb produces a large number of offsets.

Crocus goulimyi 'Albus'

White

October, November

4 x 15
(10 x 38)

This bulb is very pretty with white flowers, opening quite wide. They are scented and have contrasting yellow stamens. The foliage appears at the same time as the flowers. Requires well drained soil but otherwise will grow outdoors.

Crocus hadriaticus

White with
Purple markings

October

4 x 15
(10 x 38)

Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil. The grass should be mown short a month before flowers appear and all mowing stopped whilst the crocus are in flower and leaf. The foliage will have died down by the time in the spring when the grass needs cutting.

Crocus hadriaticus
'Indian Summer'

Fragrant, White

October, November

3-4 x 15
(10 x 38)

Native to Western and Southern Greece. This is a heritage Crocus, collected by E.A. Bowles in the central Peloponnesus and cherished in gardens for much of a century. In a sunny, well-drained spot this crocus can take considerable frost.

Crocus kotschyanus kotschyanus

Pale Lilac with Orange band inside

August, September

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Useful information from this Rock Garden enthusiast with flower photos. Native to Lebanon and introduced prior to 1854, this is one of the finest autumn-flowering species. It is one of the most prolific offset producers in the genus, the many small cormlets spreading rapidly. It is an excellent species for naturalizing in open, woodland areas.

Crocus kotschyanus kotschyanus 'Albus'

Bone-White

August, September

2.5-3 x 15
(7-8 x 38)

Flower buds are very pale lilac but open to bone-White in August-September before the leaves.

Crocus kotschyanus
'Reliance'

Light Violet-Blue

September

3-4 x 15
(8-10 x 38)

The Dark Green - with a White band in the centre - leaves appear after the flowers; becoming 12 inches (30 cms) long; and persisting throughout the winter. It is an excellent species for naturalizing in open, woodland areas.

Crocus laevigatus
'Fontenayi'

Ageratum-Violet

December

3-4 x 15
(8-10 x 38)

The Dark Green - with a White band in the centre - leaves appear before the flowers emerge; becoming 9-10 inches (25 cms) long.

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders.

Blooms in December after the leaves have started growing. These Autumn-flowering crocus do require the well drained spot and should be planted approx. 7.5cm (3”) deep.

Crocus ligusticus

Light Lilac, darker veins

October, November

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

Blooms in October-November before the leaves have started growing.

Crocus niveus

White

November

4-6 x 15
(10-15 x 38)

The Dark Green leaves appear with the flowers; becoming 1-10 inches (25 cms) long.

This bulb is a variable species with white or lilac flowers with yellow throats and very distinct orange styles. Is best grown in a pot in a greenhouse but will also grow outside if it can be guaranteed a dry summer period.

This is regarded as being the best of the white-flowered crocus.

Crocus nudiflorus

Bright Purple

September, October

6-10 x 15
(15-25 x 38)

Blooms in September-October before the leaves.Spreads easily so is ideal for naturalising.

Crocus ochroleucus

Creamy-White

October, November, December

2 x 15
(5 x 38)

The Dark Green leaves appear with the flowers; becoming 10-12 inches (30 cms) long.

Another one that increases well and so is ideal for naturalising through grass or under trees.

This bulb is a delightful species with creamy white flowers, all with bright yellow throats.

Crocus oreocreticus

Mid-Lilac to Purple,
darker veins

October, November,
December

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

The Dark Green grasslike leaves appear before the flowers.

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. They can also be planted 4 inches (10 cms) deep in 10 inch (25 cms) pots with 50% sharp sand and 50% Multipurpose Compost mixture. Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil.

This will tolerate slightly cooler and damper conditions than most other crocus.

Crocus pallasii
ssp. pallasii

Pale Pinkish-Lilac to deep Lilac-Blue

October, November

5 x 15
(13 x 38)

An easy to grow species that will do well in the garden, this has pure lilac flowers without the yellow throat seen in most other species in October-November with the leaves.

Crocus pulchellus

Pale Lilac

September, October

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Crocus pulchellus is a vigorous autumn crocus which naturalizes easily, producing numerous bulblets all around the parent corm to increase its numbers with surprising speed year by year.

Crocus pulchellus 'Albus'

White

September, October

4-5 x 3-6
(10-13 x 8-15)

The Dark Green thin grass-like leaves appear with the flowers and reach 10 inches in length. Very good for naturalising.

Crocus pulchellus
'Inspiration'

Sky-Blue

October

4 x 3-6
(10 x 8-15)

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. They can also be planted 4 inches (10 cms) deep in 10 inch (25 cms) pots with 50% sharp sand and 50% Multipurpose Compost mixture.

Crocus pulchellus 'Michael Hoog'

White

October,
November

4 x 3-6
(10 x 8-15)

The Dark Green leaves appear after the flowers. Good Companions for the autumn-flowering crocus from The Telegraph.

Crocus pulchellus
'Zephyr'

White shaded Grey

September, October,
November

4 x 2
(10 x 5)

Native to Greece. Ideal for naturalising. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the lawn until after the leaves have died back. Loved by bees. The narrow Mid-Green leaves appear after the flowers.

Crocus sativus

Lilac with Purple veins

October, November

8-12 x 2
(20-30 x 5)

The narrow dark Green 16 inch long leaves appear with the flowers.

Rabbits, rats, mice and birds cause damage by digging up the corms, so cover them with a very fine-mesh wire under the soil to deter the predators.

The Saffron Crocus is Native to Italy and east to Turkey.

Crocus serotinus
clusii

Lilac with White throat

October, November

4-5 x 2
(10-13 x 5)

Rabbits, rats, mice and birds cause damage by digging up the corms, so cover them with a very fine-mesh wire under the soil to deter the predators.

Crocus serotinus
salzmanii

Lilac with White throat

September, October, November, December

6 x 4
(15 x 10)

Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil. The grass should be mown short a month before flowers appear and all mowing stopped whilst the crocus are in flower and leaf.

Crocus serotinus salzmanii 'Erectophyllus'

Lilac

October, November,
December

6 x 4
(15 x 10)

Moist soil. It prefers a warm dry rest in the summer. Up to 7 narrow dark Green 3-4 inch long leaves appear as the flowers wither and then later they elongate. Grow in pots since it is frost-tender.

Crocus speciosus
'Aino'

Lilac-Blue with
darker veining

September, October

4-6 x 6-9
(10-15 x 15-23)

It stands up well to weather. The speciosus species and its cultivars are regarded as one of the easiest to grow. The species will sow itself and create large plantings

Crocus speciosus
'Aitchisonii'

Inside pale Lavender, Outside almost White

September, October

5 x 2
(13 x 5)

Up to 7 narrow dark Green 3-4 inch long leaves appear after the flowers and then later they elongate to 12-18 inches. Grow in pots since it is frost-tender.

Crocus speciosus

Purple-Violet

September, October,
November

4 x 1.3
(10 x 3)

Plant with suitable groundcover which supports the stem and stops the flowers from flopping over from Paghat. Rabbits, rats, mice and birds cause damage by digging up the corms, so cover them with a very fine-mesh wire under the soil to deter the predators.

Crocus speciosus
'Albus'

White

September, October,
November

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Fully hardy, so insert them into a sunny shrub border among deciduous shrubs. Plant with suitable groundcover which supports the stem and stops the flowers from flopping over from Paghat.

Crocus speciosus
'Artabir'

Violet-Blue veined
with Purple

September, October

5-6 x 2
(13-15 x 5)

Narrow Dark Green 3-4 inch long leaves appear after the flowers and then later they elongate to 12-18 inches. Fully hardy, so insert them into a sunny shrub border among deciduous shrubs.

Crocus speciosus
'Cassiope'

Violet-Blue with
Yellow centre

October, November

6 x 2
(15 x 5)

Good Companions for the autumn-flowering crocus from The Telegraph.

Crocus speciosus
'Conqueror'

Blue

October, November

4-6 x 2
(10-15 x 5)

The larger-sized corms can be rested in the neck of a crocus vase so that the bottom of the corm is just above the water level, then place on a window-cill in the kitchen to give you the flowers before planting out in the garden when in leaf.

Crocus speciosus
'Oxonian'

Violet-Mauve with
Blue stem

September, October

4 x 2-4
(10 x 5-10)

Fully hardy, so insert them into a sunny shrub border among deciduous shrubs. Plant with suitable groundcover which supports the stem and stops the flowers from flopping over from Paghat.

Crocus veneris

White flushed Bronze

November, December,
January

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Sand, Chalk soil. In Cyprus grows on stony and grassy places in maquis or open conifer woods. Not hardy in the UK, so needs to be grown in a greenhouse.

Winter-flowering Crocus
'Many species of crocuses like to be permitted to remain dry in summer, but this is not the case with varieties of Crocus sieberi or Crocus chrysanthus, which even during summer dormancy multiply best in well-watered locations.' from Paghat.

Crocus ancyrensis
'Golden Bunch'

Tangerine-Yellow

December, January

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

The 12 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

Because 'Golden Bunch' is so extremely early it is more than commonly apt to be ruined by our winter rainstorms.

This one blooms either simultaneously with or fast on the heals of other yellow crocuses in our gardens, Crocus koralkowii 'Kiss of Spring' and Crocus koralkowii 'Mountain's Glory," and immediately before two other crocuses which are in full-colored bud perhaps one week later, these being the Gold Crocus varieties Crocus chrysanthus 'Gypsy Girl' and Crocus chrysanthus var fuscotinctus.

Crocus biflorus
'Miss Vain'

White with pale
Blue base

February, March

4 x 2
(10 x 5)

Plant from September to December 5-8cm deep and 5cm apart. Can be planted under trees, under shrubs, in borders and containers. Plant in groups for the best effect.

Crocus chrysanthus 'Ard Schenk'

White

January, February,
March

4 x 3
(10 x 8)

The 4 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Blue Pearl'

Light Lobelia-Blue with White margin

January, February,
March

4 x 3
(10 x 8)

If placed near the root crowns of deciduous shrubs, they'll get the sun they need in late winter & early spring when they bloom, then when they are dormant, the roots of the shrubs will soak up the water to keep the corms from steeping in too much moisture, so not at risk of rot.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Cream Beauty'

Creamy-Yellow

January, February,
March

3 x 2
(8 x 5)

Naturalized they can be used in bold sweeping drifts, especially when mixed with Snowdrops and Winter Aconites.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Dorothy'

Bright
Buttercup-Yellow

February, March

2-4 x 2-4
(5-10 x 5-10)

The 4 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

Crocus chrysanthus
'E.A. Bowles'

Deep Butter-Yellow with Bronze feathering

February, March

3-4 x 15
(8-10 x 38)

The 10 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders. They can also be planted 4 inches (10 cms) deep in 10 inch (25 cms) pots with 50% sharp sand and 50% Multipurpose Compost mixture.

E.A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society is a charitable society set up to further interest in the life and work of plantsman E A Bowles and the conservation of his garden at Myddelton House, Enfield.

Crocus chrysanthus 'Fuscotinctus'

Plum-Purple on
Yellow ground

January, February,
March

4 x 3
(10 x 8)

If placed near the root crowns of deciduous shrubs, they'll get the sun they need in late winter & early spring when they bloom, then when they are dormant, the roots of the shrubs will soak up the water to keep the corms from steeping in too much moisture, so not at risk of rot.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Goldilocks'

Deep Yellow, shaded Purple-Brown

January, February,
March

3 x 2
(8 x 5)

Deer resistant.
'Just a little crocus
Growing in the grass
Can announce the springtime
To the folks that pass.' from Paghat.

Crocus chrysanthus 'Prince Claus'

White with
Blue blotch

January, February,
March

3 x 2
(8 x 5)

Deer resistant. It's a Bunch-Flowering Crocus, so-named because individual bulbs are frequently multiflowering, hence a drift started with 25 bulbs can look very densely planted even for its first year. As it naturalizes & produces offsets, it will be still flowerier in years to come.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Princess Beatrix'

Light Blue with
darker feathers

February, March

2.5 x 15
(6 x 38)

Many species of crocuses like to remain dry in summer, but this is not the case with varieties of C. sieberi or C. chrysanthus, which even during summer dormancy multiply best in well-watered locations.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Romance'

Lemon-Yellow

January, February,
March

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

'Deer resistant and excellent when planted with early blooming Crocus chrysanthus 'Advance'.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Saturnus'

Dark Yellow, with Purple Stripes externally

January, February

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

Many species of crocuses like to be permitted to remain dry in summer, but this is not the case with varieties of C. sieberi or C. chrysanthus, which even during summer dormancy multiply best in well-watered locations. The 10 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Snow Bunting'

White with Lilac feathers externally

February, March

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

Plant under turf on sandy or chalk soil. The winter-flowering crocuses will have made their leaf growth and the foliage will have died down by the time in the spring when the grass needs cutting.

Crocus chrysanthus
'Warley'

Cream and Blue
outside, White and
Yellow inside

February, March

3 x 15
(8 x 38)

The 10 inch long Dark Green leaves are produced with the flowers. This crocus even during summer dormancy multiplies best in well-watered locations.

Crocus chrysanthus 'Zwanenburg Bronze'

Garnet-Brown inside
Yellow

January, February,
March

4 x 2
(10 x 5)

Fragrant Garnet-Brown with narrow Yellow margin inside Saffron Yellow blooms in January-March with the 3 inch long Mid-Green leaves.

Crocus sieberi
atticus 'Firefly'

Amethyst-Violet

January, February,
March

4 x 2
(10 x 5)

Others prefer to remain dry in summer, but this is not the case with varieties of C. sieberi or C. chrysanthus, which even during summer dormancy multiply best in well-watered locations.

Crocus sieberi atticus
'Violet Queen'

Amethyst-Violet

January, February, March

3.5 x 2
(9 x 5)

The 3 inch long Mid-Green leaves are produced with the flowers. Crocus sieberi atticus is native to Greece.

Crocus sieberi 'subsp. sublimis Tricolor'

Lilac-Blue, White margin, Yellow centre

January, February,
March

3 x 3
(8 x 8)

Blooms in January-March with the leaves. Worth growing in a pot. Companions of Camellia sasanqua 'Plantation Pink', Cyclamen hederifolium, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' or Lonicera x purpusii 'Winter Beauty'.

Crocus
tomma-sinianus

Cobalt-Violet

January, February,
March

4 x 1
(10 x 3)

Crocus tommasinianus reproduces rapidly by self-seeding and by corm offsets. The cormlets are much too tiny to ever sieve out of the soil, and wherever the tommies spread on their own, that's where they will always remain.

Crocus tomma-sinianus 'Barrs Purple'

Amethyst-Violet

January, February,
March

3 x 2
(8 x 5)

Good choice for deciduous woodland areas. Plant these in clusters at the front of a border, cram them into pots for the patio, or use them to line the edges of a path.

Crocus tomma-sinianus 'Ruby Giant'

Spectrum Violet

January, February,
March

3 x 2
(8 x 5)

Many crocuses have a tendency to flop over due to weak stems, or to at least flop over on overcast days when the blooms remain closed awaiting for a sunnier day. Tommies are a major exception. They're upright & sturdy, even on overcast days with flowers tightly shut, looking like blue candles amidst tea-whisks of their own grass.

Crocus tomma-sinianus 'Whitewell Purple

Reddish-Mauve

January, February,
March

4 x 1
(10 x 3)

It will grow in almost all soil types. Good choice for deciduous woodland areas. Plant these in clusters at the front of a border, cram them into pots for the patio, or use them to line the edges of a path. One of the best for naturalising in grass.

Winter and Spring-Flowering Crocus

Crocus etruscus

Lilac

March, April

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Wild habitat in Deciduous Woodland and Fields. Blooms before the leaves. Seed capsules emerge towards the end of the growing season as the leaves die away.

Crocus flavus ssp. flavus
'Golden Yellow'

Orange-Yellow

February, March,
April

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Crocus flavus ssp. flavus is native to much of Europe and it has been in cultivation for at least 400 years. The foliage is about the same length as the height of the flowers at flowering time, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cms), but extend greatly later, often being as much as 12 inches in length.

Crocus vernus 'Flower Record'

Purple

February,
April

5 x 2
(13 x 5)

Dark Green - with a White band in the centre - leaves appear with the flowers; becoming 4 inches long.

Blooms with the leaves. It is also good for the bees. Can be planted under trees, under shrubs, in borders and containers. Plant in groups for the best effect.

This is the Wild Crocus of the Alps and the Pyrenees; introduced by 1765. They certainly have the vigor that ensures the gardener a good display the first year after planting and they will increase in quantity.

Crocus vernus 'Grand Maitre'

Lavender-Violet

March,
April

6 x 4
(15 x 10)

Flowers with the leaves. It is also good for the bees. Plant at the edges of paths, drives and small beds towards the front of borders.

Crocus vernus 'Joan of Arc'

White

March,
April

4 x 4
(10 x 10)

Dark Green - with a White band in the centre - leaves appear with the flowers; becoming 4 inches long.

Plant in waves in the garden or lawn. If planting in the lawn wait at least 6 weeks after the crocus have flowered to mow the lawn.

Crocus will multiply and come back year after year if left undisturbed.

Crocus vernus 'Pickwick'

Striped White and Lilac

March, April

5 x 2
(13 x 5)

Flowers in March-April with the leaves. It is also good for the bees. Plant in waves in the garden or lawn. If planting in the lawn wait at least 6 weeks after the crocus have flowered to mow the lawn. Crocus will multiply and come back year after year if left undisturbed.

Crocus vernus 'Yellow Mammoth'

Yellow

March, April

6 x 2
(15 x 5)

Flowers in March-April with the leaves. It is also good for the bees. Crocus corms have star-like flowers when open; they close at night and remain closed on dark, cloudy days.

CYCLAMEN

"Dwarf Campanulas" by Graham Nicholls - from The Alpine Garden Society Bookshop.

Corydalis - "Bleeding Hearts, Corydalis, and their Relatives" by Mark C Tebbitt, Magnus Liden & Henrick Zetterlund - from the Alpine Garden Society Bookshop.

See Rock Garden Plant Index C for details on more campanulas, corydalis and cyclamen and
"The Cyclamen Society exists to encourage cultivation and conservation, and to disseminate and extend knowledge of the genus Cyclamen and its species, forms and cultivars. It combines scientific study with all the activities of a society for enthusiasts who cultivate the plants."

Cyclamen
cilicium
(Sowbread, Turkish hardy cyclamen, Cicilian cylamen)

White
or
Pink

August, September,
October, November

Spreading.
Fragrant honey scent, 5 petalled

2 x 3
(6 x 8)

Chalk, Peaty, Scree, Sand.
Considering they grow in rocky/gravelly soil, good drainage will make all the difference and they do prefer a dryer spot in general.
Part Shade under trees or shrubs.
Dry.
 

Mid-Green above, Purplish beneath

The plant grows in a mound, 10 cm (3.9 in) tall and broad. The leaves are heart-shaped or oval and green, often patterned with silver

Cyclamen cilicium is hardy down to −5 °C (23 °F), so is best grown in a warm or coastal location. Pot plant in a cold greenhouse. Deciduous woodland.Shade in Rock Garden. Underplant roses. Mix with anemone, ranunculus, chionodoxa, crocus, scilla, galanthus, eranthis, primula, small ferns and hostas.

If not planted - corm should be just breaking surface and 2-3 inches apart - under trees, which provide fallen leaves in the autumn, then mulch with a little sifted leaf mould or peat moss in November. A little bonemeal added to the soil and used as a top dressing each spring will keep them happy.

Cyclamen
coum
(Eastern Sowbread)

White
or
Red

March, April
March, April

Spreading.
5 Petals

2 x 4
(6 x 9)

Chalk, Peat, Sand
Part Shade under trees and shrubs
dry

Deep Green with Silver pattern

These are fully hardy and are best planted under trees in well drained soil. Native to mountains and coastal areas. Among rocks and roots in unfertilized woodlands. Grow in pots.

Varying in colour from white through to red, cyclamen coum flower March-April, at the same time that the leaves are produced as a winter groundcover. Houseplant

Cyclamen coum
'Album'
(Sowbread)

White

March, April

Spreading.
5 Petals
 

2 x 4
(6 x 9)

Chalk, Peat, Sand
Part Shade under trees and shrubs
dry

The green leaves may marked with silver. They are round in shape. It flowers best in poor soils, so do not dig in compost or to add fertiliser as this will provide leaves but few flowers.

These are fully hardy and are best planted under trees in good fertile, well drained soil. Native to mountains and coastal areas. Among rocks and roots in unfertilized woodlands. Grow in pots.

Each white cyclamen coum bloom has a dark red mouth and flowers from late winter through to early spring, at the same time that the leaves are produced as winter groundcover.

Cyclamen hederifolium
(Persian Violet, Syn. Cyclamen neapolitanum)

Pink flowers are produced before the leaves

November, December

Spreading
Scented
5 Petals
 

5 x 6
(12 x 15)
Chalk, Peat, Sand
Part Shade under trees or shrubs
Dry

Ivy-shaped, mottled leaves are variably colored, but usually gray-green with silver and white marbling.

 

Deciduous and coniferous Woodland. Shaded part of Rock Garden. Coastal conditions as well. Almost evergreen ground cover.
Houseplant and Pot plant. Mass in front of shrubs / trees.

Self-seeds freely. Rare native UK plant from the Primrose Family. Same cultivation techniques as for cyclamen cilicium. Very long lived.

You can mix climbers with bulbs:-

Including these Clematis, which being in pots can provide a good mix for the bulbs in the beds or in pots.

Clematis which can be grown in a Pot:-
Clematis cirrhosa Balearica
Clematis x diversifolia 'Eriostemon'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Asao'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Bees Jubilee'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Elsa Spath'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Nelly Moser'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Niobe'
Clematis Early Large-Flowered 'Piilu'
Clematis florida var sieboldiana
Clematis integrifolia 'Aljonushka'
Clematis integrifolia 'Arabella'
Clematis integrifolia 'Durandii'
Clematis Late Large-Flowered 'Cardinal Wyszynski'
Clematis Late Large-Flowered 'Comtesse de Bouchard'
Clematis Late Large-Flowered 'Eetika'
Clematis Late Large-Flowered 'Ernest Markham'
Clematis macropetala
Clematis viticella AVANT-GARDE 'Evipo033'
Clematis viticella 'Betty Corning'
Clematis viticella 'Etoile Rose'