Corydalis plants and species

A wonderful shade loving plant Corydalis are a relatively large genus with over 400 species. The majority of garden species come from China through Tibet and Nepal, however some are also from Africa. Characterises by ferry foliage and tubular flowers they grow well in a woodland situation in a humus rich moist soil. Corydalis lutea with its crested or spurred yells flowers from spring to autumn will form a tight clump over time. The golden yellow flowers above the green foliage are a highlight. The cultivar Corydalis solida 'George Baker' has pale red to salmon pink flowers held up above the foliage other C.solida cultivars include 'purple beauty' with much darker flowers as indicated by the name.

We think the real star is the blue flowering Corydalis flexuosa, wonderful pale blue flowers held above a blue green foliage C. flexuosa is a lovely plant in a woodland setting. Again a few cultivars such as 'china blue', the compact 'blue panda' and the interesting 'golden panda' still with blue flowers but foliage with a real golden tone to it as it moves towards autumn. Corydalis curviflora var. rosthornii 'Blue Heron' is a relatively new release with electric blue flowers over the blue grey foliage. Brilliant in the woodland setting.

The creamy white flowering Corydalis malkensis is an excellent species if you can get it. A wonderful display of flowers and foliage in spring before it pulls up stumps and hibernates for 9 months, only to come back as a slightly larger clump.

Grow corydalis close to a path, where both its flowers and foliage can be appreciated, a large clump can also look spectacular.

Growing conditions and Care

All corydalis like a humus rich moist but well drained soil in dappled shade. They grow well beneath deciduous trees and can also be grown in troughs containers and pots. Water well in early spring with some seaweed fertiliser mixed with worm castings. A little top dressing once they have died back with well rotted compost will be beneficial. The tuberous rhizomes of larger clumps can be divided either in early spring or autumn. Other than that corydalis require very little care. Corydalis ambigua and Corydalis turtschaninovii (syn Corydalis yanhusuo?) are both purported to have medicinal benefits.