(kor-ID-aha-liss  oh-fee-oh-KAR-pa)

General Information:

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.

Corydalis ophiocarpa summer growth:photo by Robert Pavlis

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.

Corydalis ophiocarpa spring growth:photo by Robert Pavlis

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 :photo by Robert Pavlis

Life Cycle: perennial

Height: 45cm (18in)

Bloom Time: late spring

Natural Range: Himalaya region

Habitat: woodland clearings

Synonyms:  Corydalis japonica

Cultivation:

Light: part shade

Soil: average to humusy

Water: average to moist

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 8

Propagation: seed, division

Seedex availability (ORG&HPS annual Seed Exchange): rare