Corydalis Canary Feathers - Hybrid Corydalis

The Corydalis 'Canary Feathers' is an exceptional hybrid, born from the marriage of two beautiful perennial plants from the undergrowth of China. One can only admire this bright plant, its long flowering in generous bright yellow clusters or its dentate fern-like foliage with a truly bluish-grey shade. In addition to these aesthetic qualities, it can be easily grown and has numerous uses in cool soil, from ground cover to hanging baskets, to covering shaded walls.

The hybrid Corydalis 'Canary Feathers', introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in the United States in 2008, belongs to the family Fumariaceae. It is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding Corydalis moorcroftiana and C. wilsonii. The former grows in the Himalayas and Kashmir, at altitudes of 4000 to 5400 m (13123 to 17716ft), and the latter in central China. They are both hardy perennial plants from the understory, with yellow flowering and bluish foliage.

The rather slow growth of this corydalis will allow it to occupy 30-40 cm (12-16in) in width, with a height of 30 cm (12in). It forms a compact and dense tuft, which slowly spreads as a ground cover thanks to its stolons. The foliage, which disappears in winter, takes on a very refined shade of bluish-green with a hint of powder. Finely serrated, it resembles that of bleeding hearts, fumitories, ferns, or chervil. The flowering is surprisingly long if the soil remains cool throughout the summer. It starts in May and continues until the end of summer in cool climates. Under hotter climates, the plant tends to go dormant in summer and re-blooms in autumn. The flowers, similar to small yellow tubes about 2 mm (1in) long, have a long spur. They are gathered in slightly loose flower heads above the foliage. This sterile variety does not produce seeds. 

The 'Canary Feathers' Corydalis is primarily a shade or semi-shade plant that will express its full potential in the understory. It can be paired with other perennials that do not fear competition from tree or bush roots. Accompany it with the cousin of Solomon's Seal (Uvularia grandiflora), hardy fuchsias, creeping bugleweed, Balkan digitalis, Tricyrtis, painted fern, or Ivory Heart bleeding heart. This plant also performs very well in pots and creates a beautiful effect in hanging baskets from which it cascades down. Plant this corydalis above walls, on the north side, or in shady rock gardens where the soil never completely dries out.