This shade-loving perennial will be your new springtime favorite.
In most cases, they will return the following spring.
It thrives in woodland gardens, along stream banks, and in the understory of trees.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
In fact, it is commonly found growing wild in wooded areas west of the Cascades.
As they germinate, keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet.
This will encourage the roots to grow outward in the new planting spot.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Backfill the soil and tamp it down to remove air pockets.
Continue adding soil until your plant sits with its root crown level with the ground.
Most corydalis species enthusiastically self-seedalmost to the point of being weedy.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Fortunately, young seedlings are easy to remove or transplant to more desirable spaces.
For lush growth and ample blooms, find a spot with morning sun or dappled all-day shade.
Corydalis needs consistent wateringespecially in regions prone to dry spells.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Barring other interferences, the plant should return the following spring.
Corydalis also prefers climates with average humidity and doesnt tolerate overly dry conditions.
High humidity may increase the likelihood of rot and fungal issues.
Credit: Justin Hancock
This may be especially helpful if your soil is not already humus-rich.
For the amount to use and how to apply, follow the product label instructions.
Alternatively, you couldenrich the soilby adding organic amendments like compost, worm castings, or decomposed organic matter.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Pruning
Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage more flowering.
If you want to control or manage its growth,divide it every two to three yearsin the spring.
If grown in soggy ground, corydalis is prone to issues with rot and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Credit: Jeff McNamara
How to Propagate Corydalis
Corydalis plants can be propagated by seed or division.
Keep the soil moist, but not wet and the seeds should germinate in the spring.
Propagation can be done by division in the fall.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Plant the divided sections in new spots at the same depth as the original plant.
It is hardy in zones 5-9 and goes dormant in the summer heat.
It grows best in zones 5-8.
Credit: David McDonald
It does especially well in zones 5-8.
This blue corydalis is hardy in zones 6-8.
It dies down midsummer but reemerges for a fall encore.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Its name is in reference to its origin in China.
It is hardy in zones 5-9.
White Corydalis
Corydalis ochroleucais native to rocky woodlands of Europe.
Credit: Matthew Benson
It grows and self-seeds in rock walls and other well-drained sites in zones 5-9.
Milky white blooms with yellow throats are borne on blue-green ferny foliage.
It is hardy in zones 4-8.
Credit: Julie Maris Semel
In warm weather regions, it will go dormant in summer.
It is hardy in zones 5-9.
‘Snowstorm’ Fumewort
This variety ofCorydalis solidais a white form of the species.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
It is native to Latvia and is hardy in zones 4-8.
But hosta has earned its spot in the hearts of gardenersand it’s among the easiest plants to grow.
All you need is some shade and ample rainfall.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
The foliage can be puckered, wavy-edged, white or green variegated, blue-gray, chartreuse, or emerald-edged.
Hostas are, however, a favorite hangout for slugs and a beloved snack for deer.
Barrenwort
Barrenwortis a plant with few needs that happily grows among shallow-rooted trees.
It spreads at a moderate rate, forming a graceful, dense ground cover.
Its colorful foliage dangles on slender stalks, providing yet another moniker: fairy wings.
Barrenwort is hardy in zones 4-8 and, like corydalis, thrives in partial shade.
It’s easy to grow in zones 3-9 and adds height and grace to shaded gardens each spring.
Solomon’s seal will slowly colonizeeven in tough areas where shallow tree roots rob moisture and nutrients.
Best of all, this design is low-maintenance and requires little else besides mulch and water.
Corydalis is not considered toxic to humans or traditional household pets.
Corydalis has had a lot of names over the years.
It has colloquially been known as fumitory, hollow wort, bread and butter, and turkey corn.
There is even a species common to the southern United States simply known as scrambled eggs.
An Incisive Invader - Maryland Invasive Species Council.
Maryland Invasive Species Council.
Families - Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets.
Herbarium (NCSC) North Carolina State University.
