This herbaceous perennial is a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae) and native to the mountains of Turkey, the Caucasus, and northern Iran where it grows in woodlands, scrublands and rocky areas. The flattened tubers are about 2.5” across, covered by fine hairs, and produce roots from their centers. The heart-shaped to round leaves appear before the flowers in autumn or winter and are ¾” to 3” long. They may be solid green, solid silver, or mottled sometimes with a distinct arrow head patterning. After flowering the leaves go dormant. The flowers appear after the leaves in winter or spring and have rounded petals that are reflexed. The petals are magenta, pink or white and have a darker blotch at the base with a small white or pink “eye” below.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Flowers with round, reflexed petals in magenta to white ,with darker blotch at base and small white or pink”eye” below, from winter to spring
Size: 3 ½” H x 4” W
Light: Shade to dappled shade
Soil: Average, moisture retentive, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Make sure other plants do not overtake them
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed
Companion Plants: Winter flowering heathers, snowdrops, aconites
Karen Meyers