Science & Nature • Plant

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a genus of flowering perennial herbs in the primrose family (Primulaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cyclamen is a genus of flowering perennial herbs in the primrose family (Primulaceae). The genus includes more than 20 species, native mainly to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and one species in northeastern Somalia. Many species are grown for their distinctive flowers and patterned leaves, especially florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), which is widely sold in Canada as a winter houseplant and seasonal ornamental.

Description

Cyclamen are small perennial herbs that grow from a tuber and produce nodding flowers on long stalks. Their leaves are often rounded or heart-shaped and may be patterned with silver on the upper surface.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is native to the Mediterranean basin, southern and central Europe, the Middle East, and parts of western Asia, with one species extending to northeastern Somalia. Many species grow in rocky or woodland habitats with cool, wet winters and dry summers.

Cultivation

Several cyclamen species are grown as ornamentals, both indoors and outdoors. Florist’s cyclamen is commonly sold as a winter-blooming houseplant, while some other species are used in gardens.

Taxonomy

Cyclamen is a genus in the family Primulaceae. Modern sources differ slightly on the number of species, but commonly cite about 23 species.

Key facts

Cyclamen species are tuberous perennial flowering plants in the primrose family (Primulaceae).
The genus is native mainly to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and one species in northeastern Somalia.
Flowers are typically nodding, with five petals and colors including white, pink, purple, and red.
Leaves are often heart-shaped or rounded and may show silver marbling or other patterns.
Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is the best-known cultivated species.

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Canadian context

Cyclamen is widely grown in Canada as a winter houseplant and seasonal ornamental, especially *Cyclamen persicum* sold in garden centres and florists.

Frequently asked questions

What is cyclamen?

Cyclamen is a genus of flowering perennial plants in the primrose family, grown for their nodding flowers and patterned leaves.

How many species of cyclamen are there?

Sources commonly report about 23 species, though counts can vary slightly by classification.

Where are cyclamen native to?

They are native mainly to the Mediterranean region, southern and central Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia; one species occurs in northeastern Somalia.

What is florist’s cyclamen?

Florist’s cyclamen is Cyclamen persicum, the species most commonly sold as an indoor ornamental plant.

Are cyclamen perennial plants?

Yes. Cyclamen are perennial and grow from a tuber that helps them survive seasonal dormancy.

Can cyclamen be grown outdoors?

Yes. Some species are grown outdoors in gardens, especially in cooler shaded sites.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Cyclamen
Supports: Genus description, family, native range, and ornamental use.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — https://www.kew.org/plants/cyclamen
Supports: Species count, growth habit, plant size, flower and leaf characteristics.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cyclamen/
Supports: Species count, family, native range, habitat, dormancy, and conservation notes.
Clemson Cooperative Extension — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cyclamen/
Supports: Florist’s cyclamen, species count, origin, and winter flowering.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cyclamen/
Supports: Florist’s cyclamen as a winter houseplant and *Cyclamen persicum* as a species in the genus.