A large genus with over 400 species Corydalis plants enjoy a range of conditions from sun to deep shade, depending on the species.
With wonderful spurred flowers from spring to autumn, they have the added attraction of ferny foliage. Flower colours range from blue through to yellow and red depending on variety.
These are plants that look great as a specimen plants in a pot or container but even better when used as a ground cover plants.
How To Grow Corydalis
Most Corydalis like damp conditions, and part shade, think woodland situation, so a well drained soil with plenty of compost or humus dug in to it will suit. T
hey can be grown in pots or containers where a mass planting will look wonderful in spring with the masses of flowers.
- These are plants that like part shade or dappled shade, excellent near the dripline of deciduous trees.
- A humus rich moist soil is best, waterlogged or soggy soils are not suitable.
Dig in good amounts of compost, leaf mould and aged cow manure before planting. - Mulch around the plants with a deep layer of mulch, this keeps the roots cool and also encourages spread.
- Use a balanced slow release fertiliser in early spring, avoid high nitrogen fertilisers as these can inhibit flowering.
Propagation is from seed or by dividing established clumps in late winter.
Corydalis Species and cultivars
- C. flexuosa is the popular blue form, with a purple leafed form also available, Corydalis elata is also a blue flowering plant, while Corydalis lutea is a yellow flowering plant.
- C. sempervirens with its yellow and pink flowers is very attractive, sometimes referred to as the ‘Rock Harlequin’
- C.lutea which is yellow flowering
- The rhizome of C. ambigua (common name, Corydalis Yan Hu Suo) is used in Chinese medicine.
- C. ochroleuca is a white flowering species, and all are clump forming perennials.
- C. sewerzowii is an interesting species from Afghanistan, yellow flowers and blue grey foliage
Corydalis plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au