Halios White Decora F1

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, genetic improvement has 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.

Variety description

The Halios series comprises large-flowered varieties with a large, spherical and harmonious crown, with flowers that stand out clearly from the centre. The Halios series is ideal for producing top-quality plants, perfect as a lovely gift. The best quality is achieved from early autumn blooms, or when minimum night-time temperatures drop significantly, and throughout the cold season thanks to its tolerance to botrytis. The Halios series is also suitable for large pots as it fills them easily when grown under the right conditions.

Division

Angiospermae

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Order

Ericales

Family

Primulaceae

Genus

Cyclamen

Species

persicum

Origin and distribution

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.

Curiosities 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.

Where to plant

Thanks to its versatility and the bright, vibrant colours of its blooms, it is widely appreciated and used as an ornamental herbaceous plant in planters, on terraces, outdoor planters, troughs and flowerbeds in temperate zones, in accordance with the temperature guidelines set out in the relevant section; indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated to help the flowers last longer.

Plant height

The plant height ranges from 0.34 to 0.36 m, making it ideal for compositions with other ornamental plants in planters or pots.

Flower

The flower is simple in form and large, with a tubular corolla, a short tube and long lobes that are sharply bent backwards. The petals are a solid colour. It flowers from early autumn to spring, with a flowering period of between 90 and 200 days.

Leaf

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

Leaf colour

The leaf is bicoloured, with distinct zones, lending the variety further decorative appeal.

Stem

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

Growth

A variety with medium to vigorous growth, ideal for creating uniform and well-proportioned groups.

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 biological 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, bright spot.

Soil

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.

Difficulty

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

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness.

Growing tips

Here are some tips and specific cultivation guidelines for this variety of cyclamen:
Avoid overwatering It requires plenty of light to flower

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.

Combinations with other plants

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 13 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 containers proportionate to the size of the plant.

Watering

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.

Fertilising

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.

Repotting

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.

Toxicity for humans

The tuber is toxic to humans if ingested.

Pet safety

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

Tip

Until mid-October, it is advisable to place cyclamen outdoors on terraces or balconies in partial shade or full shade. Then, when the sun is no longer very hot, they can also be placed in a south-facing position in full sun or on the west side. When temperatures drop below 3–4°C, it is advisable – though not essential – to shield them with shutters or bring them indoors just for the night. Irrigation can be done from above until the end of October. After that, as the days get shorter and the weather becomes more humid, it is preferable to irrigate via the saucer to prevent rot at the centre of the plant. If cyclamen are repotted into trays containing more than one plant and cannot be watered from below, it is important to water them only in the morning so that the leaves and buds within the foliage have time to dry out before evening. With a few simple precautions and minimal fertilizing (not in winter), a well-cared-for plant can flower continuously until early spring. In colder climates, it will be sufficient to move it off the balcony and place it in a sheltered, bright spot for a while, but only when temperatures remain below 2–3°C for many hours a day. In February and March, a single, well-tended plant on the balcony can produce over 60–70 open flowers at the same time.