Gardening Flowers Perennials How to Plant and Grow Corydalis This shade-loving perennial will be your new springtime favorite. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on August 17, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Pests and Problems Propagation Types Companion Plants Garden Plans Frequently Asked Questions Trending Videos Close this video player Corydalis is a genus that contains over 400 species of annual and perennial plants that belong to the Papaveraceae (or poppy) family. The name comes from the Greek word korydalis, which means “crested lark” and it is aptly named considering its tubular, often fragrant flowers that appear in spring. In mild climates, many corydalis species grow evergreen, but in cooler climates, they may die back and disappear for the winter. In most cases, they will return the following spring. The most common species of corydalis, blue corydalis (C. flexuosa) bears flowers in a soft shade of blue-green (which is somewhat unusual for shade-loving plants) and intricate, compound leaves that give the plant a soft, airy look. You can also find corydalis in a variety of other colors, including creamy white, yellow, purple, pink, and red. Corydalis Overview Genus Name Corydalis Common Name Corydalis Plant Type Bulb, Perennial Light Part Sun, Shade Height 1 to 3 feet Width 1 to 2 feet Flower Color Blue, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow Foliage Color Blue/Green, Chartreuse/Gold Season Features Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom Special Features Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 5, 6, 7, 8 Propagation Division, Seed Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Slope/Erosion Control Where to Plant Corydalis Corydalis is native to the woodland areas of North America, so it grows best in sun-dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil. The behavior of each species varies by region, so look for a corydalis that is well-suited for your climate. Western corydalis (C. scouleri), for example, is an herbaceous perennial that grows beautifully in the Pacific Northwest. It thrives in woodland gardens, along stream banks, and in the understory of trees. In fact, it is commonly found growing wild in wooded areas west of the Cascades. Southern corydalis (C. micranthra), on the other hand, is an overwintering annual that can be found throughout the southern United States. It grows happily in glades and wooded floodplains, along rocky hills and bluffs, and in the sandy soils along paths and roadways. Corydalis contrasts beautifully against shade plants with coarser textures, such as hostas, and adds a colorful component to both shade and rock gardens. 10 of the Best Shade Trees to Plant in Your Yard How and When to Plant Corydalis Depending on the species and your region, corydalis can be planted in the fall or early spring. You can plant fresh seeds directly in the ground by mixing them into the top layer of soil and letting nature do the rest of the work. As they germinate, keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet. If you are transplanting a nursery-grown or newly divided plant, dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the plant’s root ball. About 10 minutes before planting, water your plant thoroughly, ease the plant from its container, and use your fingers or a garden fork to rake apart the roots. This will encourage the roots to grow outward in the new planting spot. 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. Water your corydalis well and space additional corydalis plants 6 to 20 inches apart (depending on the species). Corydalis Care Tips Corydalis grows wild in many regions, so it is easy to care for if you choose the right plant for your climate. Most corydalis species enthusiastically self-seed—almost to the point of being weedy. Fortunately, young seedlings are easy to remove or transplant to more desirable spaces. Light Corydalis likes lightly sun-dappled conditions that resemble woodlands, especially in hot summer climates, but too much shade results in lanky plants and sparse flowers. For lush growth and ample blooms, find a spot with morning sun or dappled all-day shade. Soil and Water Corydalis grows best in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0 to 7.0). Corydalis needs consistent watering—especially in regions prone to dry spells. That said, proper soil drainage is essential, and letting corydalis sit in water or soggy soil increases the risk of rot. Temperature and Humidity The temperature requirements for corydalis vary by region and species, but most do well when the thermometer stays between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In some zones (like those south of Zone 7) corydalis will go dormant or slow its growth when temperatures get especially hot. In the Pacific Northwest's cooler summer climate, on the other hand, corydalis may bloom all summer long and well into fall. In places where winters are especially cold, corydalis plants may die back to the ground, but this is not a cause for concern. Barring other interferences, the plant should return the following spring. Corydalis also prefers climates with average humidity and doesn’t tolerate overly dry conditions. High humidity may increase the likelihood of rot and fungal issues. Fertilizer Corydalis doesn’t tend to need fertilizer, but you can use a granular, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to encourage flowering. 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 could enrich the soil by adding organic amendments like compost, worm castings, or decomposed organic matter. Pruning Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage more flowering. You can also clip off withered or unsightly growth as needed to keep your corydalis plants in check and looking tidy. If the plant goes dormant or dies back, clip it to the ground and new growth will emerge in the spring. If you want to control or manage its growth, divide it every two to three years in the spring. If you do this, just be aware that as your corydalis plants age, they will suffer more from being disturbed. Pests and Problems Corydalis is not plagued by many pests, although slugs and snails will occasionally visit. If other common pests like spider mites and whiteflies pose a problem, spray them off with a jet of water from the hose. If grown in soggy ground, corydalis is prone to issues with rot and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Diminish the likelihood of this by planting yours in humus-rich, well-draining soil and by thinning out crowded plants to increase airflow. How to Get Rid of Slugs in Your Garden How to Propagate Corydalis Corydalis plants can be propagated by seed or division. If you collect the seeds from your plants in the fall, sow them directly in the ground while they are fresh by incorporating them into the top layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, but not wet and the seeds should germinate in the spring. If you would like to start your seeds indoors, your seeds will need to be stratified in the refrigerator for about a month before you sow them. This process will mimic the winter and allow the seeds to enter and then break dormancy in time to germinate for spring. Propagation can be done by division in the fall. Just dig up and divide a clump into two or three sections leaving a good amount of roots with each division. Plant the divided sections in new spots at the same depth as the original plant. Types of Corydalis 'Berry Exciting' Corydalis Lynn Karlin This variety of Corydalis has ferny golden leaves that set off the purple flowers. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and goes dormant in the summer heat. 'Beth Evans' Corydalis Denny Schrock Corydalis solida has beautiful bright pink blooms that soften to lighter pink with age on this tuberous variety. It grows best in zones 5-8. 'Blackberry Wine' Corydalis Lynn Karlin This variety of Corydalis sports fragrant wine-purple tubular flowers from late spring through early summer, or longer in cool climates. It does especially well in zones 5-8. Blue Corydalis Justin Hancock Corydalis elata, at 16 inches in height when in full bloom, is taller than the other more common blue corydalis (C. flexuosa). However, its cobalt blue blooms form a bit later and the plant is less likely to go dormant in summer. This blue corydalis is hardy in zones 6-8. 'Blue Panda' Blue Corydalis Mike Jensen Corydalis flexuosa 'Blue Panda', like other selections in the species, has elongated blue flowers with spurs in springtime. It dies down midsummer but reemerges for a fall encore. Its name is in reference to its origin in China. It is hardy in zones 5-9. White Corydalis Jeff McNamara Corydalis ochroleuca is native to rocky woodlands of Europe. 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. Fumewort Lynn Karlin Sometimes called purple corydalis, Corydalis solida grows 6-12 inches tall and bears reddish-purple flower clusters in spring. It is hardy in zones 4-8. 'Purple Leaf' Corydalis David McDonald Corydalis flexuosa emerges early in spring and bears clusters of blue flowers over purplish foliage. In warm weather regions, it will go dormant in summer. It is hardy in zones 5-9. 'Snowstorm' Fumewort Justin Hancock This variety of Corydalis solida is a white form of the species. It is native to Latvia and is hardy in zones 4-8. Companion Plants for Corydalis Hosta Matthew Benson This plant hardly grown 40 years ago is now one of the most commonly grown garden plants. But hosta has earned its spot in the hearts of gardeners—and it's among the easiest plants to grow. All you need is some shade and ample rainfall. Hostas vary from tiny plants suitable for troughs or rock gardens to massive 4-foot clumps with heart-shape leaves that stretch to almost 2 feet long. The foliage can be puckered, wavy-edged, white or green variegated, blue-gray, chartreuse, or emerald-edged. This tough, shade-loving perennial (also known as plantain lily), blooms with white or purplish lavender funnel-shape or flared flowers in summer—some intensely fragrant. Hostas are, however, a favorite hangout for slugs and a beloved snack for deer. Barrenwort Julie Maris Semel Barrenwort is a plant with few needs that happily grows among shallow-rooted trees. It spreads at a moderate rate, forming a graceful, dense ground cover. Almost as a bonus, it also produces dainty flowers shaped like a bishop's miter, prompting another common name: bishop's cap. 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. Solomon's Seal Jerry Pavia Solomon's seal is an elegant shade plant with gently arching stems, dangling creamy bells, and green foliage that turns golden in fall. It's easy to grow in zones 3-9 and adds height and grace to shaded gardens each spring. Solomon's seal will slowly colonize—even in tough areas where shallow tree roots rob moisture and nutrients. Garden Plans for Corydalis Lush Woodland Garden Plan Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke If you are lucky enough to have a wooded area in your yard, you have the perfect setting for this lush garden full of soft textured, shade-loving plants like corydalis, bleeding heart, spiderwort, and three kinds of ferns. Best of all, this design is low-maintenance and requires little else besides mulch and water. Download This Plan Perennial Shade Garden This perennial shade garden can bring life and color to the space beneath mature trees in your landscape and it features golden corydalis, which is hardy in zones 5-8 and blooms from May to September with sunny yellow flowers over ferny, green foliage. Download This Plan Frequently Asked Questions Is corydalis considered invasive? Corydalis self-seeds and can grow weedy if left unattended, but it is not classified as invasive in any state because the seedlings are easily pulled up if they grow where they are not wanted. All that said, some mid-Atlantic states are keeping a watchful eye on one type of corydalis. Incised fumewort, which is native to China, Korea, and Japan, is emerging as a potentially invasive species thanks to seed capsules that open explosively and launch seeds up to 10 feet when they are mature. Is corydalis toxic to animals? Corydalis is not considered toxic to humans or traditional household pets. The leaves of some corydalis plants, however, are potentially toxic to livestock (like cattle, sheep, and horses). Is corydalis known by any other names? Corydalis has had a lot of names over the years. Although it is considered a member of the Papaveraceae (poppy) family, it was once (and sometimes still is) categorized as Fumariaceae—the former name for the Papaveraceae subfamily, Fumarioideae. That category of plants was once treated as a separate family and the early classification explains why some types of corydalises still bear the common name fumewort. 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”. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. An Incisive Invader - Maryland Invasive Species Council. Maryland Invasive Species Council. Poisonous vascular plants. Families - Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets. Herbarium (NCSC) North Carolina State University.