Corydalis ophiocarpa is an unusual corydalis that is evergreen all year. Its blue-green ferny leaves make a nice display in spring. It flowers in late spring and becomes more upright in growth to form a very airy plant.
Flowers are interesting, produced in abundance, but are not that showy. Grow it for its foliage that lasts all year long. In spring, cut back the previous years growth to make room for the new leaves. It does seed around a bit.
Sometimes called the false bleeding heart, it is confused with Corydalis cheilanthifolia in the trade. C. cheilanthifolia has leaf tips that are more pointed and the flowers are a solid deeper butter yellow. C. ophiocarpa has creamy, ivory flowers with red tip.
Corydalis ophiocarpa
(kor-ID-aha-liss oh-fee-oh-KAR-pa)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 45cm (18in)
Bloom Time: late spring
Natural Range: Himalaya region
Habitat: woodland clearings
Synonyms: Corydalis japonica
Cultivation of Corydalis ophiocarpa
Light: part shade
Soil: average to humusy
Water: average to moist
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Propagation: seed, division
