Corydalis: flowering time, species & effect

Katja
Katja
Katja
Katja

I study landscape ecology and through my studies have discovered a love for plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but also have countless fascinating survival strategies. To bring a bit of nature into my home as well, I nurture my houseplants and herbs on every possible windowsill.

Favourite fruit: rhubarb and all kinds of berries
Favourite vegetables: onions and garlic

The Corydalis is a versatile plant genus, some of whose species also occur as wild plants. We will show you how to care for Corydalis in the garden.

Purple and pink corydalis flowers
Corydalis grows both wild and in our gardens [Photo: Kylbabka/ Shutterstock.com]

Species of the genus corydalis (Corydalis) are quite hardy, easy to care for and thrive in shady areas. We show what you should pay attention to care and present the most beautiful species and varieties.

Corydalis: flowering time, origin and characteristics

Corydalis form a genus within the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in South Africa. The Latin name of this herbaceous plant means ‘crested lark’. It resembles both the crested lark and the claw of the skylark. Some Corydalis species are native to Europe and grow as wild perennials in nature. Other varieties are bred specifically for the garden. The genus has from 300 to 400 species, which bring an enormous variety of colours. There are varieties in yellow, blue or white and many other varieties. As a native wild plant, the Corydalis is also a valuable insect pasture. Some species form tubers and appear as early as spring, while others form rhizomes and continue to bear foliage later in the year. In addition, they can be either annual or perennial. Flowering time and growth habit vary from species to species. Corydalis are often compound and lobed or pinnate.

Corydalis blooming in the woods
In nature, corydalis feels at home in sparse deciduous forests [Photo: Kozma 94/ Shutterstock.com]

The most beautiful Corydalis species and varieties

Not only are there numerous species of Corydalis, but also varieties that enrich the garden with their flowers. We present the most beautiful species and varieties.

  • Hollow corydalis (Corydalis cava): The hollow corydalis is widespread and also occurs in nature. The name comes from the cavity inside the tuber. The deciduous Hollow corydalis blooms in purple hues from March to May and grows in a horst-like manner. It prefers a semi-shady to shady location.
Purple Corydalis cava flowers
Corydalis cava usually has purple blooms [Photo: Iva Vagnerova/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea): As the name suggests, yellow corydalis also produces yellow flowers. It shows its flowering splendour in the summer between May and September. Due to its richly branched shoots, yellow corydalis appears bushy. It prefers a brighter location, which may even be sunny.
Yellow corydalis plants in bloom
Yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea) prefers a brighter spot [Photo: mizy/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Ferny corydalis (Corydalis cheilanthifolia): In this species, too, the name says it all. The foliage leaves look confusingly similar to the leaves of ferns. The ferny corydalis shows its yellow flowers between April and June and also keeps its foliage in winter, which then changes its colour from green to brown.
Fern-leaf corydalis in bloom
The foliage of fern-leaf corydalis (Corydalis cheilanthifolia) lives up to its name [Photo: Aleksandr Naumenko/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Blue corydalis (Corydalis elata ‘Blue Summit’): Between May and July, the steel-blue flowers of the variety ‘Blue Summit’ appear. The smell of the flowers is reminiscent of bitter almond. The blue corydalis likes a partial shade or shady place, for example, under a deciduous shrub. It can grow to a height of 30 – 40 cm.
Corydalis plant with blue flowers
Corydalis species and varieties with blue flowers are not uncommon [Photo: Konstantin Baidin/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Bird-in-a-bush (Corydalis solida ‘GP Baker’): The vibrant red flowers of the cultivar ‘GP Baker’ appear between March and May. Bird-in-a-bush also grows spontaneously, but it is much rarer to find than the hollow corydalis.
Fumewort plant with red flowers
The fumewort variety ‘GP Baker’ bears red flowers [Photo: Flower_Garden/ Shutterstock.com]

Planting Corydalis

When planting a Corydalis, you should first learn about the species. Since there are many different species and varieties, the requirements may vary. However, certain conditions are preferred by most species.

Plant the Corydalis is best in the fall between September and October. It does not matter whether it is a tuber or a young plant. The appropriate location for the Corydalis is partial shade – some species like it sunnier, others can manage with less light. The soil should be fresh, well-drained, humus, rich in nutrients and able to retain water well in the summer. Between plants, for group plantings, you should maintain a distance of at least 10 cm, but better – 20-30 cm. Before you start the plant you can work some compost into the soil to help the Corydalis get started. After planting, the substrate is watered and spread a layer of mulch, for example, from leaves. This protects the plants from the cold in winter and from drying out in summer.

Corydalis emerging from the snow
Some species flower very early in the year [Photo: Aleksandra Khomchenko/ Shutterstock.com]

If you want to plant the Corydalis in a pot, you should first put a drainage layer in the container. This can be shards of clay or stones, which will ensure that the water will drain well. After all, the Corydalis does not like waterlogging, because it can cause rotting roots. Then plant it in a humus-rich, permeable substrate. Suitable is, for example, our Plantura Organic Enriched Compost, which has a particularly high proportion of organic matter and provides the Corydalis with important nutrients. It is made from natural raw materials and is completely peat-free. Thus, the organic soil is not only good for plants and garden, but also for the environment. You can also use the compost to jump-start the bed. For improved permeability, it is best to mix in an additional third of sand or crushed expanded clay.

Organic Enriched Compost, 40L
Organic Enriched Compost, 40L
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  • Perfect for all crops and ornamental plants with a high nutrient requirement & for raised beds
  • Improves soil quality & promotes healthy root growth
  • Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
£16.99

The most important care measures

The Corydalis is quite a low-maintenance plant for the garden. However, regular watering is essential in the care of Corydalis, so that abundant flowers are formed and the plants remain healthy.

Garden plants, but especially the Corydalis in a pot, should be watered regularly without waterlogging. In summer, you can check the substrate every one or two days. It should always be slightly moist and watered with tap water as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry. For plants grown in pots, remove any excess water in the dish.

Side view of corydalis flower
Corydalis have long-spurred flowers [Photo: JIANG TIANMU/ Shutterstock.com]

Whether you want to cut the Corydalis depends on your ideas. After flowering, pods are formed. The seeds they contain provide new plants in the surrounding area for the next season. If you want to prevent or contain this self-seeding, cut off wilted flowers as early as possible. This can also extend the flowering period. In the fall, when all the foliage has withered, you can cut the plants just above the ground.

Many nutrients Corydalis does not require. Nevertheless, you should occasionally provide it with the basic nutritional elements, so that you can continue to enjoy its flowers. At the beginning of the growing season in early spring, you can work a slow-release fertiliser into the soil once a year. A suitable granular fertiliser is our Plantura Flower Food. This releases the nutrients slowly, which means they are available over a long period of time. The nutrient composition promotes leaf, flower and root growth. If you keep the Corydalis in a container, you can repot it occasionally. The fresh soil then also brings new nutrients again.

Bee pollinating a corydalis flower
Pollinators love corydalis flowers [Photo: Sergey/ Shutterstock.com]

Are Corydalis poisonous?

Corydalis is poisonous, especially in the root or tuber area. However, the toxic substances are also found in smaller quantities in the above-ground parts of the plant. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur after consumption.

Corydalis: medicinal properties and use

In the past, Corydalis was said to have medicinal properties, but today it is no longer used. Due to the sedative effect of the substances it contains, the Corydalis was used for anesthesia and the tubers were used as food.

The marigold (Calendula) is also a valuable insect pasture. In our fact sheet you will learn everything about the pretty daisy.

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