About

Corydalis flexuosa is a herbaceous perennial reaching heights of up to 30 cm. This plant experiences dieback in the summer months. Its leaves are divided and have a glaucous hue, occasionally exhibiting a purple tint. During spring and early summer, it produces clusters of two-lipped blue flowers featuring white throats.

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
West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

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

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
May be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free