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 and gravel garden. It is native to Europe.
About
Corydalis lutea is a semi-erect perennial that typically reaches a height of 30 cm. This evergreen species produces a dense mound of finely divided, pale green leaves resembling ferns. From late spring through summer, it showcases clusters of slender, yellow flowers, each featuring short spurs.
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
- 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, Gravel garden
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corydalis lutea
- Cultivation
- Grows best in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Corydalis lutea?
Grows best in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade.
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.
How do I prune Corydalis lutea?
No pruning required.
How big does Corydalis lutea grow?
Corydalis lutea 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 lutea hardy in the UK?
Corydalis lutea has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Corydalis lutea?
Propagate by seed or by division.