INFORMATION ABOUT CORYDALIS…
By: Nikki Phipps
Image by By Joost J. Bakker At least 200 different species of Corydalis are known. Its name seems to have more than one meaning. The first is derived from the Latin word ‘korydalis’ meaning ‘crowned lark’, since the markings on the flower are similar to the tufted crown of a lark. Another suggests that its name ‘corydalis’ is Greek for ‘lark’ such as with delphinium larkspurs, and alludes to the spurred rear of the flowers. Corydalis originates from wooded environments and prefers various degrees of shade. Although its color is not unusual, the flower’s shape and characteristics is quite interesting. For some species, the colder the weather, the later and more intensely colored the flowers will be. Its decorative, finely textured foliage is bluish-green. Corydalis is very suitable for naturalizing under trees and shrubs or placement within rock gardens.
Some species of corydalis grow by tubers, while others are rhizomes. Corydalis usually blooms in early to mid-spring, depending on the species. Some will actually bloom later. Corydalis is usually planted in the fall about 4-6 inches deep. Most all species of corydalis require excellent drainage and humus-rich soil located in lightly shaded areas; however, some species enjoy sun as well. Corydalis is a wonderful spring and summer shade plant. Due to its quick-spreading characteristics, corydalis makes a wonderful groundcover. Combine it with spring bulbs and other perennials including hostas and ferns. New plants can be started by dividing and resetting clumps in early spring after two or three years or from stem cuttings taken in summer.
Spring fumewort (C. solida) has scented, pinkish-purple to red flowers and the only species that is commonly cultivated. This species is tuberous, reaching a mature height of 4-6 inches tall. Yellow Corydalis (C. lutea) has attractive gray-green foliage and yellow flowers that bloom from spring until mid-summer, sometimes later. This species likes a more sunlight than the others but does well in dappled shade also. Exquisite in the woodland garden, the deep lilac-pink flowers of C. paczoskii bloom in early spring. This Asian native reaches a height of about 4-6 inches and is also tuberous.
Another tuberous native of Central Asia, C. popovii has large, pale pink flowers tipped with dark purple. They bloom in early spring and are quite unique as they open from the top down. This species is trouble-free and long-lived with full-grown heights ranging from 3-10 inches tall. The Western corydalis (C. scouler), native to Washington and Oregon, thrives on dim, moist slopes. This species has hot-pink blooms in mid-spring and spreads by rhizomes, forming colonies. The early spring-blooming C. schanginii is native to S Russia, parts of China, and Western Mongolia. This lovely tuberous variety has maroon-tipped, pink flowers and blue-gray leaves. Unlike many of the other species, this one prefers sun and dry summers. It’s very hardy and smells great too.