| Common Name | Corydalis, Fumewort, Bird-in-a-bush |
| Genus | Corydalis |
| Species | Corydalis flexuosa |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Life Cycle | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Format | 32-cell plug tray |
| Plug Care | Transplant plugs quickly after arrival, planting the crown just at soil level (same level as in the plug trays). Keep the transplant zone cool and evenly moist until establishment; avoid excessive moisture to avoid root rot. |
| Netting / Staking | Not Necessary - these are shorter plants at 12" and stay naturally upright. |
| Temperature Range | Hardy in USDA zones 5-8; they thrive in cool spring conditions and areas with a moderate climate. They tend to die back after flowering in areas with hot summers. |
| Spacing | Space plugs 8-12″ apart to ensure adequate airflow between plants. |
| Soil Preference | Rich- to moderately-rich, well-drained, humus soil with consistent moisture; avoid standing water and do not allow to dry out completely. |
| Day Length | Long-day plants which flower in mid-spring. Part shade to full shade; ideal in woodland-edge settings or shady border areas. These will do well planted with your hellebores. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Transplant plugs in early spring, as soon as soil is workable, to establish before bloom. Can also be planted in the fall, but plant early enough (6-8 weeks) before your first hard frost to give the roots time to establish. |
| Harvesting | Harvest entire stems down to the ground when the first buds have opened and the rest of the cluster are still in bud form. Harvesting and deadheading will encourage additional flowering. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water and stored in a cooler until needed. The use of a floral preservative will maximize vase life - avoid exposure to ethylene gas. |
| Diseases / Insects | Low pest pressure. Monitor for slugs and snails, and avoid overly wet conditions that could lead to crown/root rot. |
| Bailey's Notes | Height is not all that matters when it comes to cut flowers - we have learned this time and time again, with lily-of-the-valley, pansies, hellebores and more. This plant, typically considered a compact shade perennial that reaches about 12 inches tall and wide, WOW's with electric, long-lasting flowers in a shade of blue that rivals delphiniums. I saw this variety used in a hand-tied bouquet created by the amazingly talented Emily (Fleuropean) and new we needed to bring these plants to more cut flower enthusiasts. If you like to think outside of the box and grow new and exciting varieties for your local market - these are for you! |
| Resources | N/A |