Corydalis lutea (yellow corydalis) — Clump forming

Overview

Corydalis lutea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Corydalis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with evergreen 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 lutea grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Corydalis lutea, commonly known as yellow corydalis, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Papaveraceae family. It features evergreen foliage and typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to various aspects and exposures. It grows well in a range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with soil pH from acid to alkaline, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. It provides seasonal interest from spring through winter.

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

Plant details

Corydalis lutea size, habit and characteristics

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, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Corydalis lutea

Propagation: Division in autumn
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Corydalis lutea?

Corydalis lutea prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Corydalis lutea need?

Corydalis lutea 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 to well-drained.