Cyclamen purpurascens

Tuberous perennial of the Primulaceae family, Cyclamen purpurascens is the only species of the genus truly native to France, where it is found in the Alps and the Jura. Its range extends more widely from Central Europe to the Balkans and the Carpathians. It grows in deciduous and coniferous forests, shaded calcareous undergrowth, wooded rocky slopes, generally between 300 and 1,500 meters in altitude.

The plant is discreet in stature, not exceeding 10 to 15 cm. Its leaves, evergreen throughout the year unlike most other cyclamens, are heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, dark green beautifully marbled with silver. The flowers, from deep pink to purplish-pink, emit a delicate and strong fragrance, quite rare in the genus, which immediately distinguishes them upon approach.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to September. In cultivation, it generally blooms from August to October.

Unlike most cyclamens, it does not have a pronounced summer dormancy and better tolerates slight humidity in summer. The tuber, globular and corky, is placed at shallow depth in well-drained, calcareous, humus-rich soil, in shade or partial shade. Once established, it tolerates some dryness but prefers cool conditions.