At this time of year, border perennials are few and far between, which makes corydalis a must-have. Forming a cloud of dainty, tubular flowers above fine, fern-like leaves, they inject the spring garden with lovely colour.
The name ‘corydalis’ comes from the Greek word for crested lark, since the narrow, spurred flowers resemble the quiff-headed bird. Blooms appear over delicate foliage reminiscent of bleeding heart, Welsh poppy, and other members of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), to which corydalis also belong.
The majority are woodlanders that flower in cool, light shade in spring, but some forms grow in sun, and some bloom into July. “Corydalis are great for early flowers in a range of colours and for attractive leaves,” says Brian Wickenden, who holds a Plant Heritage National Collection of corydalis…
