GREENENGOOODS
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Poinsettias are classic holiday plants for a reason, but for the fashion-
forward shopper and creative gift giver, cyclamen are it for this
holiday season. Here are some marketing and merchandising ideas.
By Faith Savage
ow that we’re well into the holiday patio or entryway
N
season, we all know that our cus- from ordinary to
tomers have poinsettias on their extraordinary. Frost
minds. And thankfully so! Shop- tolerant cyclamen
pers’ desire for this holiday favorite are great during the
will defi nitely bring them into our garden centers, transitional months
cash in hand, ready to buy. during fall and
But are you making the most of their visit? Are early spring, when
you inspiring them to go above and beyond — to the weather can be
do more with their holiday decorating than ever a bit unpredictable.
before? There seems to be no end to the trend of Perfect for garden beds in protected areas or to
homeowners creating the ultimate living space for spice up mixed containers, this intriguing fl ow-
family and friends, for entertaining guests and for ering plant will provide a pop of color just where
enjoying themselves — why not tap into that trend it’s needed most.
by going above and beyond the plain poinsettia? Fragrance plays an important role in today’s
home, and many of today’s cyclamen have a won-
Beyond Poinsettias derful spicy fragrance. A single plant can perfume
For the customers wanting to venture beyond a corner, while two to three plants can fi ll a small
mums, pansies and poinsettias during the fall room with their lively but delicate scent.
and winter months, a little inspiration will work
wonders. Cyclamen offer a whole new spectrum The Universal Gift
of intriguing possibilities. Wow those customers With beautiful blooms and a delicious fra-
with dramatic arrangements that combine poin- grance, cyclamen make wonderful gifts during
settias and cyclamen — picture a bold red poin- the holiday season. A perfect way to say “thank
settia combined with a pure white found only you,” a welcome housewarming gift or party favor,
in cyclamen and add to that the unique, frosty or even a colorful solution to cheer up a hospital
foliage available in varieties like Winter Ice, Ster- room and add a festive touch during the holidays,
ling, or SilverHeart. You’re sure to create a hol- cyclamen does it all. And, picture a great display
iday arrangement that your customers can’t resist! of prepackaged cyclamen gifts in the garden
Add Midori or SilverHeart to wreaths or garlands center with Christmas-themed sleeves. The John
for a unique, eye-catching front door/front porch Henry Company recently introduced biodegrad-
display options. Or go with a totally different look able holiday pot covers, and with a decorative gift
for a centerpiece with an exotic cyclamen such as tag, your customers can grab and go with a fes-
Delma, with fringed edges, for an eye-catching tive, thoughtful gift that’s actually a no-brainer!
conversation starter. Cyclamen’s appeal doesn’t stop at Christmas. It
can be used for other holidays as well, such as Val-
Cyclamen Appeal entine’s Day: Its rich, vibrant reds and pinks, could
Bred for long-lasting blooms and unparal- be a perfect sweetheart gift. Cyclamen is so versa-
leled plant quality, cyclamen are easy for the tile that the possibilities really are endless.
consumer to handle in the home or garden.
Placed in a cool location (68º F is ideal) near a Faith Savage is retail manager for Goldsmith
bright window with indirect light, cyclamen can Seeds. She can be reached at faith@goldsmith
provide months of enjoyment indoors. And when seeds.com.
the spring arrives, cyclamen can even be planted
in the garden. For the “trendsetters” of the neigh-
borhood — homeowners looking for what’s new,
LearnMore!
exciting and different — planting cyclamen in the
For more information related to this article,
landscape will instantly transform their garden,
go to www.lgrmag.com/lm.cfm/lg110901
16 Lawn & Garden Retailer November 2009 www.lgrmag.com
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