Overview
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Corydalis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, rock garden and patio and container plants.
About
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' is a low-growing, spreading perennial that reaches a height of about 15 cm. Its foliage features blue-green leaves accented by purple near the center vein. In late spring and early summer, this plant produces blue flowers that exhibit a hint of purple.
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
Best soil and position for Corydalis
- 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
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'?
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil.
Where is the best place to plant Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'?
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' need?
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'?
No pruning required.
How big does Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' grow?
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' hardy in the UK?
Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open frame when ripe or by division in autumn.