A brilliant pop of candy pink in the heart of winter, this cyclamen will naturalise easily under deciduous trees. A native of the Greek islands, its heat-shaped, slightly marbled leaves emerge as early as October, followed by diminutive flowers in December-March. It will die down completely in the summer.

H x S: 0.15m x 0.15m

Aspect and soil: best in part shade, sheltered, in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Prefers dry soil during summer dormancy but otherwise copes with moisture as long as the soil is not too wet.

Use: in woodland gardens but also at the front of containers and in rock gardens.

Cultivation: plant about one inch in the ground in small drifts and leave, undisturbed, to naturalise. Dig out and divide bulbs when colonies become crowded Mulch with leaf mould in cold areas.

Hardiness: full hardy (H5).