Corydalis Blackberry Wine - Hybrid Corydalis

Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine' is undoubtedly one of the best hybrids resulting from the union of these perennials from China. What stands out the most in this extraordinary plant are its bright flowers with long tubes of violet-pink, and its dentate foliage of fern green-blue. Besides these aesthetic qualities, it is easy to cultivate and has numerous uses in moist soil, from ground cover to hanging baskets, and even for covering shaded walls.

The hybrid Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine' belongs to the family Fumariaceae. It is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding species from China. The relatively slow growth of this Corydalis will allow it to spread up to 45 cm (18in) in width, with a height of 30 cm (12in). It forms a compact and dense shrub, which slowly spreads as a ground cover thanks to its stolons. The foliage, carried by reddish stems, is deciduous and has a refined blue-green powdery tint. Finely dissected, 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. Under hotter climates, the plant tends to go into dormancy during summer and then re-blooms in autumn. The flowers, resembling small tubes about 25 mm (1in) in length, have a long spur. Each flower exhibits areas that range in colour from white at the corolla tips to pinkish-purple, reaching almost blue-violet. This subtle gradation, painted on the translucent petals, gives the flowering its bright and unique colour.

It is recommended to plant the 'Blackberry Wine' hybrid Corydalis in soil that is deep, light, and rich in humus. Make sure that the soil is always moist and has a neutral to acidic pH. This plant thrives in shade or partial shade, and can even grow under trees or bushes, which means it can handle competition from other plants. During spring, it is advisable to clean the plant by removing any dead foliage.

Corydalis is primarily a shade or partial shade plant that expresses its full potential in woodland areas. It can be paired with other perennials not afraid of competition from tree or shrub roots. Accompany it with the cousin of Solomon's Seal (Uvularia grandiflora), hardy fuchsias, creeping Bugleweed in purple, Japanese anemones, Balkan Digitalis, Tricyrtis, and a carpet of periwinkles, and '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 rockeries.