S.s. Vintro® Neon Flamed

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Primulaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Cyclamen

Species

persicum

Description

The cyclamen is a very widespread plant in the ornamental sphere; some 15 herbaceous perennial species are known, belonging to 5 different subgenera. Over the years, the genetic improvement work carried out on the cyclamen has led to the selection and consequently to the definition of numerous new characters relating to the size, morphology and colour shades of the flowers as well as the plant's habit. A tuberous perennial with a globose habitus, it is widely appreciated for its elegant and luxuriant blooms that rise from the foliage giving light and colour even during the coldest season both outdoors and indoors, mainly in pots and planters, even in compositions with other ornamentals.

Varietal description

The vintro super series groups very large-flowered varieties selected for winter production, which are therefore more suitable for growing in conditions of low light and low growing temperatures. Vintro is less susceptible to botrytis, having a more open plant structure, stronger flower stems and a better shelf life. With these characteristics, they can also grow with low energy consumption, provided the cultivation is well ventilated.

curiosity and special features

The term Cyclamen derives from the Greek cýclos, meaning round or circular in reference to the shape of the flower, associated in antiquity with the female womb; the cyclamen was in fact also used in the past during magic rituals as a fertility omen. It was also commonly called 'panporcino' because the crushed tuber, toxic to humans, was used to feed pigs.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the Mediterranean basin, North Africa and Asia Minor; it was introduced to France towards the end of the 16th century and then spread throughout Europe, gaining considerable appreciation as an ornamental plant. The first hybrids date back to the 1800s through genetic improvement work intensified over the decades up to the present day.

Flower size

The flower is large, lending elegance to the highly decorative flowering.

Leaf

The leaf is defined by a cordate-reniform, heart-shaped lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from early autumn to spring for a duration of 90 to 200 days, providing colour and brightness even during the coldest time of the year.

Leaf color

The leaf blade is variegated, veined giving additional decorative value to the variety.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.34 m, also ideal for arrangements with other ornamentals in a planter or pot.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Suggested planting locations

Versatile in use, due to the bright and shiny colour tones of its blooms, it is widely appreciated and used as an ornamental herbaceous plant in planters, terraces, outdoor tubs, tubs, in flowerbeds in temperate zones, according to the temperatures described in the dedicated section, indoors, ventilating the environment to encourage longer flowering time

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form, with a tubular corolla characterised by a short tube and long lobes, abruptly bent backwards. The petals are shaded. It flowers from early autumn to spring, with a flowering period of between 90 and 200 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth, ideal for creating homogeneous and proportionate groups.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is globular and compact.

branching

The variety naturally does not branch.

pH

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

soil preparation

Before transplanting, for possible use in beds in temperate zones, carry out a 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky pebbles; if the soil is too compact, it is advisable to bury sand. Apply professional-quality substrate to the surface by approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

sun exposure

In relation to the place of use, position the plant facing east/southeast, indoors in the cold season, full sun, afternoon sun sheltered from the wind if outdoors.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 8 and 30 °C. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C. For some varieties, in areas with harsh winters when the average temperatures are below 2/3 °C, it is recommended to place the pots in a sheltered, bright location.

Use

It is one of the most commonly used ornamental grasses during the winter period in:

Outdoor ornamental Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

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.

Maintenance

A variety whose cultivation is fairly easy with an overall average level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Here are some tips and cultivation aspects specific to this variety of cyclamen:

Avoid over-watering

Composition

It is perfect either alone or in mixed arrangements with other ornamentals such as Calocephalus brownii, Heuchera americana, Heuchera sanguinea, Lysimachia congestiflora . Vase combinations between different varieties with flowers of similar colour tones are also very elegant.

planting

For possible use in flowerbeds, apply an average density of 10 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest positioning each seedling so that the tuber remains level with the surface or slightly above, watering immediately after planting. For use in planters or pots, choose sizes proportionate to the size of the plant.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication can take place from seed.

potting

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

Irrigation

Cyclamen is sensitive to excess water. Keep the soil or substrate slightly moist but not saturated with water, preventing stagnation which causes subsequent fungal diseases and rot. For cultivation in pots during the coldest and wettest season it is advisable, in order to avoid rot in the centre of the plant, not to irrigate the cyclamen from above but to water in the saucer with rainwater or water from the aqueduct which is not excessively cold; in addition, always observe and test the moisture level of the substrate before doing anything.

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.

Pet friendly

May cause ingestion toxicity in domestic animals; consider the specific case.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

The tuber is toxic to humans if ingested.

advise 1

Vintro cyclamens usually arrive in homes in late autumn when the sun is no longer strong; they can therefore be placed anywhere from the south in full sun to the west but also in the east. With temperatures below 3-4°C it is advisable, though not essential, to shelter them with shutters or to withdraw them indoors only for the night. Watering should be done in the saucer to avoid rot in the centre of the plant, especially if placed outside in the colder months. It is important to only give water in the morning, if you want to water from above, so that the leaves and buds inside the foliage dry out before the evening. With a few cares and 3-4 fertilisations (not in winter) a well-grown plant will be able to flower continuously until early spring.