Overview
Corydalis sempervirens is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Corydalis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Corydalis sempervirens grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Corydalis sempervirens, commonly known as rock harlequin, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Papaveraceae family. This cultivar features deciduous to evergreen foliage and produces racemes of spurred, tubular flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in partial shade with moist but well-drained loam soil of varying pH, making it suitable for rock gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs. Hardy to UK zone H5, it can be planted out after the last frost and propagated by division or seed sown as soon as ripe.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Corydalis sempervirens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corydalis sempervirens
- Propagation
- Division, Seed sown as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Corydalis sempervirens?
Corydalis sempervirens prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Corydalis sempervirens need?
Corydalis sempervirens grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Corydalis sempervirens hardy in the UK?
Corydalis sempervirens 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 sempervirens?
Division, Seed sown as soon as ripe.
More in the Corydalis genus
- Corydalis bulbosa
- Corydalis ophiocarpa
- Corydalis scouleriScouler's fumewort
- Corydalis chaerophylla
- Corydalis thalictrifolia