In the near-natural garden, the wild corydalis is on the spot when semi-shady to shady locations need to be greened decoratively. At the edge of the wood or in niches on the balcony with little light, the multi-faceted Corydalis species inspires us with pretty flowers over filigree ornamental leaves. The following answers to frequently asked questions explain in a precise and practical way how easy cultivation is.

As a native plant, the larkspur is used to frost and snow

Plant larkspur correctly

Planting time for Larkspur is in September and October. This applies equally to tubers and container plants. Dig small pits at a distance of 20-30 cm in the semi-shady location in the humus-rich, moist and nutrient-rich soil. For mature young plants, the hole should be about twice the size of the root ball. Plant corydalis corms 5-8 cm deep in the ground. You improve the starting conditions for these perennials if the soil is enriched with compost and horn shavings.(32.93€) Please water at the end and mulch with leaves, bark mulch or lawn clippings.

care tips

Adequate water supply is the mainstay in the proper care of Corydalis. Water the wild perennial regularly, because drought stress significantly impairs growth and abundance of flowers. In contrast, the native plant in the optimal location can do without fertilizer. A start fertilization with compost is nevertheless very welcome. If you regularly cut out wilted flower stalks, the splendor of color will last longer. The foliage is only cut off when it is completely retracted. Until then, the tuber draws in the remaining nutrients in order to create a depot. For winter protection, simply leave the autumn leaves lying around and spread some fir fronds over them.

Which location is suitable?

Most of the Corydalis species and varieties prefer a semi-shady location. Various varieties are not even afraid of shady locations, such as Fern Corydalis (Corydalis cheilanthifolia) or the Intermediate Corydalis (Corydalis intermedia), native to the ravine forests of the Balkans. Other varieties thrive just as well in a sunny spot if the soil is sufficiently moist. Therefore, when purchasing tubers and young plants, ask carefully in order to acquire the ideal perennial for the intended location.

What soil does the plant need?

The diverse Corydrons agree that they prefer fresh, moist, nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. With regard to the soil acid value, of course, the wishes differ. Corydalis are available as companions for rhododendrons in acidic soil, such as the cashmere corydalis (Corydalis cashmeriana). Most of the natural perennials want to be settled in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

When is flowering time?

The diverse variety of species and varieties offers us Corydalis beauties, which, thanks to different flowering times, ensure the perfect change of scene in the bed. We have compiled the flowering times of the most important larkspur species for beds and balconies for you here:

  • Fingered Lechenspur (Corydalis solida): flowering period from March to April
  • Blue Corydalis (Corydalis elata): flowering period from May to July
  • Yellow Corydalis (Corydalis lutea): flowering period from May to October

Take a close look at the pretty flowers. These feature two mirrored halves along a single axis of symmetry. The tubular individual flowers, up to 25 millimeters long, sit close together on an unbranched flower stalk in beautiful red, blue and yellow tones.

Cut larkspur properly

If you cut off the faded stems regularly, this measure extends the flowering period. In this way you also prevent excessive self-sowing. To do this, leave only a few flower stalks at the end of the flowering period, as experience has shown that the mother plants are quite short-lived. Please only cut back to the ground when the leaves have completely yellowed.

Pour larkspur

Water is the elixir of life for the corydalis. Therefore, water the wild perennial plentifully and regularly without causing waterlogging. In pot culture there is a higher watering requirement than in fresh, moist garden soil. Therefore, check every 1-2 days with your finger whether the substrate has dried. Give the normal tap water to the root area until the saucer fills up.

Fertilize corydalis properly

Under ideal site conditions in the nutrient-rich garden soil, an initial fertilization with compost and horn shavings is sufficient. Bark humus, guano granules or horse manure also get the lark spur going. Work in the organic material and water again. If the wild perennial thrives in a bucket, apply a liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks from May until the end of the flowering period.

hibernate

Part of the European flora, Corydalis is used to grief in winter. Even biting frost cannot harm the wild perennial. Permanent wetness, on the other hand, can cause the tubers to rot. We therefore recommend leaving fallen leaves in autumn and fixing them with needle sticks. For reasons of caution, please wrap planters in jute or foil and slide a block of wood underneath.

propagate corydalis

Bulbous Corydalis species, such as Corydalis intermedia, produce daughter bulbs or bulbs. Dig up these perennials in the fall to snip off the small offshoots with a sharp, sanitized knife. You can either plant the nodules straight away in the garden soil or nurture the tiny ones in a pot first. Ball-forming species such as Corydalis solida are excellent for propagation by division. In autumn, dig the root ball out of the ground and use a spade to split it into two or more segments. Plant these sections at the new location in the soil prepared with compost and water generously.

Is Larkspur Poisonous?

Larkspur is assigned to the poisonous ornamental plants. The reason for this are the toxic ingredients, which are particularly concentrated in the tubers and rhizomes. The toxins are also contained in leaves, shoots and flowers. Therefore, consider growing Corydalis only out of the reach of children and pets. Please store the tubers until planting out in such a way that they cannot be confused with onions or vegetables.

Beautiful varieties

  • Blue Summit: The premium variety impresses with steel-blue flowers on panicles up to 8 cm long; Growth height 30-40 cm
  • Yellow Corydalis: Outstanding, very adaptable perennial with yellow flowers from May to October; Growth height 25-35 cm
  • GP Bakker: The magnificent spring bloomer boasts red flowers over filigree leaves from March; Growth height 15-20 cm
  • Blue Heron: Blue-flowered corydalis with evergreen, fern-like leaves for borders and pots; Growth height 20-25 cm
  • Canary Feathers: Abundantly blooming ornamental perennial with canary-yellow flowers and fine feathered foliage; Growth height 30 cm

Category:

Herbs