Leopardo Dark Violet Florist Cyclamen

Leopardo Dark Violet Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum 'Leopardo Dark Violet') is a compact flowering tuber about 40cm tall and wide, with deep, intense magenta pink flowers that carry a blue undertone above silver marked leaves. The Leopardo series is bred for extra resilience to heat and stress, so it copes with Australian homes and patios better than older florist cyclamen. It flowers through the cooler months.

Why you'll love it

• Deep, saturated colour. The flowers are an intense magenta pink with a blue undertone and the look of an orchid, a rich note among florist cyclamen.
• Bred for heat and stress. Leopardo is more resilient than older florist cyclamen, so it handles warm rooms and Australian conditions with less sulking.
• Strong stems, full dome. Large flowers on firm upright stems cluster toward the centre, giving a rounded, generous display.
• Patterned leaves. Heart shaped green leaves marked with silver, pink on the reverse, stay attractive between flushes.
• Happy in shade. Bright dappled light or part shade suits it, where most flowering plants will not perform.

Where it works best

Indoors near bright light. A windowsill, kitchen bench or entry table out of direct afternoon sun suits it. Cool rooms away from heaters keep the flowers longest.

Pots under cover. One plant in a 25cm pot looks full on a covered patio, balcony or by the front door, and is easy to move out of the weather.

Shaded garden edges. In mild winter gardens, plant 40cm apart at the front of a border in bright, dappled shade, out of the path of frost.

Growing Leopardo Dark Violet Florist Cyclamen in Australia

Position and climate. Grow it in bright dappled light or part shade, sheltered, with temperatures above about 5C and no frost. Subtropical and warm temperate gardens can keep it on a shaded verandah in winter; cool temperate and frosty areas should keep it indoors. Leopardo tolerates warmth better than most, but still keep it out of hot afternoon sun.

Soil. Use a good potting mix with extra drainage, or a loose, compost enriched bed. Keep the top of the tuber above the soil line, as in the tube, so water never sits on it.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist but never soggy, watering at the pot edge so the crown stays dry. While it flowers, feed fortnightly with a liquid flowering plant fertiliser.

Pruning. Tidy as you go by pulling spent stems and yellowing leaves cleanly from the base. In summer, when the plant naturally goes dormant, water sparingly, and restart regular watering when leaves return.

What to expect when it arrives

Each Leopardo Dark Violet Florist Cyclamen arrives as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is a small tuber with a tuft of leaves, not a plant in full flower, and it needs a season to build towards its 40cm size. Flowering comes with the cooler months.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full cyclamen range
• More indoor flowering plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. The tuber is poisonous if eaten, so keep the plant away from dogs, cats and small children, and place pots out of reach.

Will it cope with Australian heat?

Better than most. Leopardo is bred for extra heat and stress resilience, so it manages warm rooms and mild days well. It is still a cool season plant, so keep it out of hot afternoon sun and expect it to rest in summer.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

In summer it is usually dormancy, which is normal: reduce watering and let the tuber rest, then restart in autumn. Yellowing mid season usually means overwatering or too much warmth.