Mammoth Red Florist Cyclamen

Mammoth Red Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum 'Mammoth Red') is a large, sturdy flowering tuber, about 60cm tall and wide, with big silky flowers in a strong, classic scarlet. Bred for larger plants and larger blooms, it builds a full dome of colour above silver marked leaves through the cooler months, which makes it a bold choice for a big pot.

Why you'll love it

• Classic scarlet. A strong, dramatic red that holds its own against dark foliage and shaded courtyard walls.
• Twice the scale. Mammoth cyclamen are bred for larger, sturdier plants and grow to double the size of the wild species.
• Big flowers on strong stems. Large, silky blooms stand firmly upright and gather toward the centre in a full dome.
• Marbled foliage. The silver marked, heart shaped leaves are handsome in their own right between flushes.
• Comfortable in shade. It prefers bright dappled light or part shade, which is useful in darker corners.

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 30cm wide, in a sheltered covered spot. Group several for a block of colour.

Under trees and eaves. In frost free gardens, plant 60cm apart in the dappled shade under a tree or an eave, with each tuber top above the soil.

Growing Mammoth 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. It is a cool season plant, so shelter it from 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

Mammoth 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 60cm 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

• 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. Stand pots well out of reach of dogs, cats and small children, and avoid planting where pets dig.

How do I get it to flower again next year?

Let it rest through its dormant period, usually summer, then restart watering when new leaves appear in autumn. Repot into fresh mix with the tuber top above the soil, and resume fortnightly feeding once it flowers.

What is the difference between Mammoth and Leopardo?

Mammoth is bred for larger, sturdier plants and bigger flowers, at about 60cm. Leopardo stays near 40cm and is bred for extra heat resilience, so pick Mammoth for a big pot and Leopardo for a warm, compact spot.