The October-Blooming Flower You Can Enjoy Longer Than Mums

Pretty, jewel-toned chrysanthemums may be one of the most iconic flowers of the autumn season. But sadly, they don't last very long, especially once a hard freeze spreads its icy fingers. If you want a flower you can enjoy starting in October — and that will last even longer than mums – consider the cyclamen plant. While you can always try to learn how to keep mums alive for longer, you could also give cyclamen, an herbaceous perennial, a try for your fall garden. There are several species to choose from, and some will reliably bloom into November.

Native to Europe, Iran, and northeast Somalia, most of the 23 species of cyclamen (also known as alpine violets) come from the Mediterranean region. Given their temperate native climate, not all of the 23 will grow well outdoors in the U.S. When choosing cyclamen species that will flower in your garden in the fall, you may want to start with three: hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium), Cyclamen cilicium (Cilician cyclamen), and Greek cyclamen (Cyclamen graecum). All will bloom between September and November.

Like its name, hardy cylcamen is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8; it's a hardy perennial ground cover plant that can work perfectly under a tree. Cyclamen cilicium, meanwhile, also tolerates zones 4 to 8. Greek cyclamen, being a native plant of Greece and Crete, is only hardy in zones 7 through 9.

Knowing how to take care of your cyclamen plant is essential to enjoying it in October and beyond. Different species of cyclamen may have slightly different preferences, which you should account for. However, all cyclamen typically thrive in slightly acidic soil conditions, and indirect sunlight is best. Like the bright colors of mums in the fall, cyclamen blooms can be just as bold and bright. Depending on the species, you may see pink, purple, red, and white flowers during its growing season. These flowers grow one flower per tall stalk, with petals fused together in a slight cup shape at the base of the bloom. Frequently, the blooms nod downward, pointing to the heart-shaped (or cordate ) leaves below. 

Perhaps one of the best things about cyclamen flowers, though, is their long-lasting bloom times. Unlike chrysanthemums, which can typically peak from late August through October, fall-blooming cyclamen can continue blossoming through much of November. Grow them in a container on your porch or patio to brighten everything up after all your other flowers have been spent. They also grow well underneath trees in shaded spots, mimicking their native habitat. With their pleasant fragrance, they will be a welcome addition to your fall garden.