Sowbread

What does Sowbread look like?

Cyclamen hederifolium is a low-growing perennial with rounded, flattened tubers that can grow quite large over time. Its leaves, which appear after the flowers, are shaped like ivy leaves and often show a mix of silvery and green patterns. The flowers, which bloom before the leaves, have five petals that are usually pink, purple, or white, often with a magenta mark at the base. The petals curve outward at the tips, giving the blooms a swept-back look. Plants can reach up to 30 cm tall.

Where does Sowbread come from?

This cyclamen is native to the Mediterranean, where it grows in woodlands, scrub, and rocky ground, sometimes at elevations up to 1,200 metres. Its range includes parts of France, Greece, Turkey, and nearby islands. The plant has also spread north in Europe and to places like Oregon, where it has become naturalised. The name 'hederifolium' comes from Latin, meaning 'ivy-leaved', describing its leaf shape.

When and how Sowbread blooms

Cyclamen hederifolium flowers in late summer or autumn, before its leaves emerge. The plant grows from a tuber, sending up flowers and then leaves as the weather cools. It prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in shade or dappled sunlight. After flowering and seed set, the plant becomes dormant through summer. It can self-seed and spread in suitable climates.

How Sowbread is used

Gardeners value this cyclamen for its ability to naturalise and provide autumn color. It is often planted under trees or in shady borders. The plant is hardy in mild climates and can survive cold winters if protected by snow. Some forms and cultivars are grown for their distinctive leaf patterns or flower colors. It has been recognized for its performance in gardens.

Kinds of Sowbread

There are two subspecies: the widespread Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. hederifolium, and subsp. crassifolium, found in southern Greece. Flower color varies from pink and purple to pure white. Cultivars like 'Amaze Me', 'Ruby Glow', and 'Stargazer' offer different flower shades and forms. Some plants have all-green or all-silver leaves, and leaf shape can range from heart-shaped to arrow-like.

What Sowbread means

Sowbread is a familiar sight in Mediterranean woodlands and is widely grown in gardens for its resilience and beauty. The plant's ivy-shaped leaves and autumn flowers have made it a favorite among gardeners. It has received awards for garden merit. The sticky seeds attract ants, which help spread the plant in the wild.

Questions people ask about Sowbread

Good reading and sources

• Cyclamen hederifolium | ivy-leaved cyclamenRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Cyclamen hederifolium on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data