When autumn arrives and the days get shorter, gardens can start to look a bit dull. If you want to keep some colour outdoors, cyclamen are a great choice. Hardy types such as Cyclamen coum can brighten up your containers late in the season. Their delicate flowers in pink, red, or white, along with their marbled leaves, bring a touch of elegance from autumn through to spring.

Terracotta pots are a classic way to plant cyclamen, and their warm, rustic look goes well with the plants. When choosing cyclamen, pick ones with firm corms and lots of buds. Ensure your pots have sufficient drainage holes, and add gravel or broken pieces at the bottom to facilitate water drainage. Use peat-free compost mixed with a bit of grit for even better drainage.

With a bit of regular care, your cyclamen will keep looking good for months. Place the pots in a sheltered spot with bright, but indirect light, as strong sunlight can burn the leaves. Water them sparingly, letting the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as too much water is the main reason cyclamen fail. Remove faded flowers by gently twisting the stems off at the base. This helps new blooms appear and keeps your display tidy. Cyclamen in terracotta pots can bring colour and life to your garden just when most other plants are fading.