Corydalis solida Rainbow Mix

Corydalis solida Rainbow is composed of several varieties of early spring-flowering bulbous corydalis with various colours, ranging from white to pale and dark pinks, to reddish and purple tones. Some are solid and others are bi-colour, depending on the plants. These small bulbous perennials develop beautifully cut foliage that disappears in summer. Their curiously spurred small tubular flowers are arranged on a tangle of finely cut foliage. The flowers resemble small exotic multicoloured birds perched on a nest of greenery. Plant the bulbs in good fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in partial shade. They will tolerate limestone soil.

Corydalis solida is a small bulbous plant native to central and southern Europe, as well as boreal and western Asia. It grows in shady meadows, woods, and copse, as well as in mountain and subalpine meadows, in limestone soil. It belongs to the Papaveraceae family, just like poppies. 

The Rainbow mixture includes several named varieties. Corydalis solida is a deciduous plant with good hardiness, which develops its foliage in spring. Its light grey-green leaves are divided into 3 narrow, cut, and ovate segments. They measure 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long. Corydalis solida reaches a height of about 20cm (8in) at maturity with a width of 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in). Flowering takes place in spring, from March to May, in the form of compact and erect clusters composed of numerous tube-shaped flowers, 1 to 2cm (1in) long, with variable colours depending on the varieties. They are terminated by 2 lips open on an almost white throat and equipped with a slender, downward-curved spur. The flowers are gathered in tight spikes at the upper part of an upright stem. The flowering is followed by the formation of elongated capsules called siliques. Corydalis solida is hermaphrodite and entomogamous (its pollination is done by insects). The foliage disappears in summer.

Corydalis solida Rainbow mixture will work wonders in the edge of woodland. It can be planted with other perennials that are not afraid of competition from tree or bush roots, such as Solomon's Seal's cousin (Uvularia grandiflora), hardy fuchsias, purple creeping bugle, Japanese anemones, Balkan digitalis, tricyrtis, or even bleeding hearts. Corydalis solida also performs well in pots and creates a beautiful effect in hanging baskets from which it cascades. Plant it above walls or in shady rockeries.