About

Corydalis cheilanthifolia is an evergreen perennial characterized by its finely divided, fern-like leaves, which can reach lengths of up to 30 cm and may exhibit a bronze tint. During spring through summer, it produces dense spikes of bright yellow flowers, each measuring around 2 cm, that rise prominently above the foliage on upright stems.

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, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native to
C China

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but slugs and snails may damage young growth
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free