This pretty member of the primula family displays rounded marbled leaves in autumn, following on with flowers throughout winter and early spring. Some varieties come in strong colours, ranging from carmine and pink to white, and many display silver foliage.

Corms should be planted 5cm (2in) deep between July and September in sun or partial shade in humus-rich, rather gritty well-drained soil with added leafmould. They are excellent when grown beneath deciduous trees or shrubs, or with swathes of snowdrops for an early spring display.

Cyclamen thrive in undisturbed corners and resent overfeeding but will benefit from an organic compost mulch which will help hold moisture. Left undisturbed they multiply year after year and make great partners for hellebores and heucheras.

THREE WAYS TO...

Make the most of winter1. Stand pots where they will catch all the available sun.

2. Place singular pansies in individual pots on a stand or shelf next to a sunny wall. It not only protects them from winter weather but also allows a good display.

3. Create a modern look by pairing them with the glossy black grass Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens in a sharp-edged galvanised box.