About

Corydalis cava is a tuberous perennial that reaches a height of up to 20 cm. It features fern-like, ternately divided foliage. In early spring, this plant produces terminal racemes bearing flowers that measure approximately 2.5 cm, which can be white or purple in color.

About the genus

Corydalis includes annuals, biennials, and perennials that can be either tuberous or rhizomatous. The plants feature leaves that are either ternately or pinnately lobed, and they produce racemes adorned with spurred, tubular flowers.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0-0.1 metre
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native to
C Europe

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or by division in autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free