Ciclamino Illusia

Description

A tuberous perennial with a globular growth habit, it is widely appreciated for its elegant and thriving blooms that rise above the foliage, bringing light and colour even during the coldest months, both outdoors and indoors, mainly in pots and planters, and also in composition with other species.

The cyclamen is a very common ornamental plant: over the years, breeding programmes have led to the selection and, consequently, the development of numerous new characteristics relating to the size, shape and colour of the flowers, as well as the plant’s plant habit.

Varietal description

Illusia is a variety in a class of its own in the world of cyclamen. Its flower has a unique and captivating appearance, unlike anything seen before, which takes your breath away at first glance. Suitable for growing in pots ranging from 10.5 to 12 cm. To show off this variety to its best advantage, it can also be grown in 13 cm terracotta pots.

Division

Angiospermae

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Order

Ericales

Family

Primulaceae

Genus

Cyclamen

Species

persicum

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the region comprising the Mediterranean basin, North Africa and Asia Minor; it was introduced to France towards the end of the 16th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe, where it was highly prized for its ornamental use. The first hybrids date back to the 19th century, the result of a programme of genetic improvement that has been intensified over the decades right up to the present day.

curiosity and special features

The name ‘Cyclamen’ derives from the Greek word ‘cýclos’, meaning ‘round’ or ‘circular’, in reference to the shape of the flower, which in ancient times was associated with the female womb; indeed, the cyclamen was used in the past during magical rituals as a symbol of fertility. It was also commonly known as ‘panporcino’ because the crushed tuber, which is toxic to humans, was used as pig feed.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Suggested planting locations

Versatile in its uses, it is widely appreciated and used as an ornamental herbaceous plant in planters, on terraces, in outdoor pots and troughs, and indoors, where it helps to ventilate the space, thereby extending the flowering period.

Plant height

The plant height ranges from 0.17 to 0.23 m, making it ideal for compositions with other ornamental plants in planters or pots.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small in size, with a dialipetal corolla. It has distinctive petals, each with an eye. It flowers from late summer to late autumn, with a flowering period of between 110 and 150.

Leaf

The leaf is characterised by a blade with a cordate-reniform, heart-shaped base.

Leaf color

The leaf is variegated and veined, lending the variety further decorative appeal.

Stem/stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Growth

A compact-growing variety, ideal for creating uniform and well-proportioned groups.

Plant habit

It has aglobose, compact growth habit.

Use

It is one of the plants with the most use during the autumn and winter months in:
Outdoor ornamental settings Indoor ornamental settings

Ideal climate and temperature

The optimal temperature range is between 8 and 30 °C. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C. For some varieties, in areas with harsh winters where average temperatures fall below 2–3 °C, it is advisable to place the pots in a sheltered, well-lit spot.

Soil/medium

The cyclamen requires a peaty, loosely loosened and well-draining soil for proper vegetative development. For use in planters or pots, a substrate for spring plants or a specific cyclamen soil containing peat, perlite, clay granules and wood fibre is recommended.

sun exposure

indoors in areas that are not too warm, with east/south-east sun exposure, partial shade.

Maintenance

A variety that is fairly easy to grow, requiring a medium level of management effort overall.

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness.

cultivation tips

Here are some tips and specific care instructions for this variety of cyclamen:
Place the plant in the brightest possible spot Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day It prefers a cool climate

soil preparation

Before transplanting, if the plant is to be grown in a flowerbed in temperate climates, perform digging to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; if the soil is too compact, it is advisable to mix in some sand. Spread a medium of professional-grade compost approximately 5–10 cm thick over the surface and level it carefully.

pH

Cyclamen requires a sub-acidic soil or substrate pH, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.5.

Composition

It looks perfect both on its own and in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants such as Calocephalus brownii, Heuchera americana, Heuchera sanguinea and Lysimachia congestiflora. Combinations in pots of different varieties with flowers in similar shades are also very elegant.

planting

If planting in a flowerbed, plant at an average density of 25 plants per square metre to ensure each plant develops properly, thus achieving a harmonious and well-proportioned final composition. We recommend positioning each seedling so that the tuber sits at or slightly above ground level, and watering immediately after planting. For use in planters or pots, choose sizes proportionate to the size of the plant.

Irrigation

Cyclamen are sensitive to overwatering. Keep the soil/medium slightly moist but not waterlogged, avoiding waterlogging which can lead to fungal diseases and rot. When growing in pots during the colder, wetter months, to prevent rot at the centre of the plant, it is advisable not to water the cyclamen from above but to water it from the saucer using rainwater or tap water that is not too cold; furthermore, always check and test the moisture level of the medium before watering.

Fertilization

During the autumn and spring, add a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the doses and frequency of use.

potting

Repotting should be done using a peat soil with an average pH of 6.0 in suitably sized planters or pots.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

The tuber is toxic to humans if ingested.

Pet friendly

It may cause toxicity if ingested by pets; assess each case individually.

advise 1

Until around mid-October, it is advisable to place Illusia cyclamen outdoors on terraces or balconies, but only in the shade. Then, when it is no longer very hot, they can also be placed in the sun, preferably in the morning; this will make it easier to water them without causing them to wilt. From November onwards, they can also be placed on a south-facing spot in full sun. When temperatures drop below 3–4°C, it is not essential to shelter them, but if you bring them indoors, you will enjoy them more and they will thrive better; just make sure not to place them too close to or on top of a radiator. You can perform Irrigation from above until the end of October. After that, as the days get shorter and the weather becomes more humid, it is better to water them via the saucer to prevent rot at the centre of the plant.