You say Cyclamen/I say Cyclamen

In the United States, the usual pronunciation is SIGH-CLUH-MEN, but in the UK, you will hear it pronounced, SICK-LUH-MEN. Either way, there are some varieties of Cyclamen that do well in Alabama and should be considered, especially if you are interested in Winter/Very Early Spring flowers. Cyclamen are tuberous perennials that originate from the Middle East, Cypress and Crete. Said to be an aphrodisiac, much of the folklore of Cyclamen revolves around love and conception. In ancient times, the tubers were roasted, beaten and made into small cakes. Note to the adventurous: Unroasted or uncooked Cyclamen plants can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities by humans, causing gastritis and nervous tension!
Here are a couple of Cyclamen species I recommend for planting in Central Alabama:
Cyclamen coum - Hardy in Central Alabama and much further north, into the Midwest and Northeast United States. Zones 5-8. For our area, consider planting in some shade.
Cyclamen hederifolium - Also hardy in Central Alabama. May bloom earlier than C. coum and has the scent of lemon. Zones 6-9.
Cyclamen are easier to grow than you might think. If you pick the hardy species, you won't have to worry about cold damage. The main problem encountered with Cyclamen is rotting corms/tubers. Be sure to plant your Cyclamen in a well-drained situation with nice, composted soil. Remember, too, that Cyclamen will seed readily and colonize if they are in a preferable growing situation. Finally, don't be alarmed when the pretty foliage you've admired all winter and spring long disappears. Hardy Cyclamen plants do this vanishing act, then reappear in the fall and eventually display their cheerful blooms for all to behold.