Corydalis Berry Exciting - Hybrid Corydalis

The Corydalis 'Berry Exiting' is undoubtedly one of the most amazing hybrids born from the marriage of these perennial plants from China. Flowers in long purple tubes emerging from variegated golden fern foliage create a striking contrast in shaded and cool areas where it will thrive. In addition to its undeniable aesthetic qualities, this corydalis offers ease of cultivation that allows for numerous uses, from ground cover to hanging baskets, and even covering shaded walls.

The hybrid Corydale 'Berry Exciting' is a natural mutation of the variety 'Blackberry Wine', acclaimed for its countless qualities. It was introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries (USA) in 2007. Like all Corydalises, it belongs to the family Fumariaceae. The relatively slow growth of this corydalis allows it to occupy about 45 cm (18in) in width, with a height of 30 cm (12in). It forms a compact and dense clump, slowly spreading as a ground cover thanks to its stolons. The foliage, carried by reddish stems, has a beautiful hue, blending pale golden yellow and chartreuse green. Finely cut, it resembles that of bleeding hearts, fumitories, ferns, or chervil. The flowering period is surprisingly long, and according to some, fragrant. It begins in May and continues until the end of summer in cool climates. In warmer climates, the plant tends to go dormant in summer and re-blooms in autumn. The flowers, resembling small tubes about 2.5 cm (1in) in length, have a long spur. Each flower has areas that take on different shades of purple and crimson, with bluish highlights. It is this subtle range of colours, painted on translucent petals, that gives the flowering its luminous and distinctive colour. The vegetation of this corydalis remain evegreen in winter, depending on the intensity of the cold.

Corydalis is primarily a shade plant, or a part-shade plant that expresses its full potential in cool woodland areas. It can be associated with other perennials that are not afraid of competition from tree or shrub roots. Accompany it with the cousin of Solomon's Seal called Uvularia grandiflora, hardy fuchsias, creeping purple bugles, Omphalodes verna, Japanese anemones, Tricyrtis, and a carpet of small periwinkles, or even the 'Ivory Heart' Bleeding Heart. This plant also performs well in pots and creates a beautiful effect in hanging baskets where it cascades down. Plant this corydalis above walls, on the north side, or in shady rockeries.