Overview
Corydalis elata is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Corydalis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Corydalis elata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to China South-Central.
About
Corydalis elata is a clump-forming cultivar within the Corydalis genus, a group of about 540 annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the Papaveraceae family. Native to south-central China, this plant features deciduous or evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is adaptable to a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, with well-drained conditions preferred. Suitable for east- or south-facing aspects, Corydalis elata is hardy to UK zone H5 and is ideal for rock gardens, patios, cottage gardens, and flower borders. It can be propagated by seed or division.
About the genus
Corydalis is a genus of about 540 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the family Papaveraceae, native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and the high mountains of tropical eastern Africa. They are most diverse in China and the Himalayas, with at least 357 species in China. Corydalis species are the only dicots having only a single cotyledon.
Wikipedia contributors, "Corydalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Corydalis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Corydalis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Corydalis elata size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- China South-Central
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corydalis elata
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Corydalis elata?
Corydalis elata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Corydalis elata need?
Corydalis elata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Corydalis elata hardy in the UK?
Corydalis elata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Corydalis elata?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Corydalis genus
- Corydalis bulbosa
- Corydalis ochroleucapale corydalis
- Corydalis ophiocarpa
- Corydalis scouleriScouler's fumewort
- Corydalis chaerophylla
- Corydalis thalictrifolia