Leopardo Red Florist Cyclamen

Leopardo Red Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum 'Leopardo Red') is a compact flowering tuber, about 40cm tall and wide, that holds warm crimson flowers above dark green leaves marked with silver. It belongs to the Leopardo series, bred for greater heat and stress resilience, so it suits Australian homes and patios better than most florist cyclamen. Flowering runs through the cooler months.

Why you'll love it

• Warm crimson. A red with warmth in it that reads as rich rather than harsh, and pairs naturally with the silver marked leaves.
• 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 as a flowering feature. Stand it on a bright windowsill or shelf, out of direct sun and away from heaters, and it flowers for much of the cooler season.

Patio, verandah and balcony pots. Use one plant to a pot about 25cm wide, in a sheltered covered spot. Group several for a block of colour.

Under trees and eaves. In frost free gardens, plant 40cm apart in the dappled shade under a tree or an eave, with each tuber top above the soil.

Growing Leopardo Red Florist Cyclamen in Australia

Position and climate. Cyclamen want cool, bright shade: dappled light or part shade, shelter from wind and temperatures above about 5C. Frost ends the season early, so cool temperate and frosty gardens should keep it indoors, while warm gardens can use a shaded verandah. Leopardo tolerates warmth better than most, but still keep it out of hot afternoon sun.

Soil. Use a light, free draining mix with some compost. Do not bury the tuber: its top should sit just above the soil, exactly as in the tube, so water runs away from the crown.

Water and feed. Water regularly but lightly, at the base or from below rather than over the crown. Feed fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants while it is in flower.

Pruning. Twist and pull spent flower stems and yellow leaves away at the base. When flowering ends and the leaves yellow, usually in summer, cut back watering so the tuber can rest, then resume as new leaves appear.

What to expect when it arrives

Leopardo Red Florist Cyclamen is sold as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on. Expect a small tuber and a tuft of leaves rather than a plant in full bloom, and allow a season to build towards its 40cm size. A summer arrival grows leaves first and flowers as the weather cools.

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

• Shop the cyclamen collection
• Flowering plants for indoors
• Plants for pots
• Shade gardening in Australia, what to plant where

Common questions

Is it safe for pets and children?

Not around pets or small children. The tuber is poisonous if eaten, so choose a high shelf or a room that pets cannot enter.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Yes, in a sheltered, shaded spot that stays frost free, such as a covered verandah or a protected bed. Where frosts occur, grow it indoors or under cover through winter.

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.