Corydalis lutea

Corydalis lutea, the yellow corydalis, is a perennial shade plant sought after for its long flowering. A rounded shrub of fresh green foliage, on which dense clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers with green reflections appear from May to October. Its leaves are compound, consisting of three ovate and deeply lobed leaflets measuring about a dozen centimetres. In a warmer climate, the plant tends to go into dormancy during summer and blooms again in autumn.

Native to the southern Alps, Corydalis lutea is hardy, easy to grow, and forms large tufts of foliage 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) tall. It readily self-seeds even in the crevices of walls or damp cracks. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained, and not too dry soils, neutral to acidic, and particularly thrives at the base of shaded walls.

Perfect for brightening up a shady rock garden, Corydalis will thrive alongside Brunnera, foamflower, heuchera, or bleeding heart.