Corydalis solida G.P. Baker

Corydalis solida 'G.P. Baker' stands out with its particularly colourful flowering. It is an adorable perennial bulbous plant that blooms early in spring, sometimes as early as March, and easily naturalises in cool undergrowth. Its clusters of reddish tubular flowers stand above finely cut foliage, which is very decorative in spring. Perfectly hardy and low-maintenance, it disappears from the surface of the soil in summer. It grows easily in shade or partial shade, in light soil that remains moist.

Corydalis solida is a small bulbous plant native to central and southern Europe, as well as northern and western Asia. It grows in shaded 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 'G.P. Baker' cultivar is a hardy plant that 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 15 to 20cm (6 to 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 upright clusters composed of numerous red-pink tube-shaped flowers, 1 to 2cm (1in) long. They are terminated by 2 lips open on an almost white throat and equipped with a long, downward-curved, tapering spur. The flowers, facing downwards, are gathered in dense spikes on an upright stem. The flowering is followed by the formation of elongated capsule fruits called siliques. Corydalis solida is hermaphrodite and pollinated by insects. The seeds are dispersed by ants. The foliage disappears in summer.

Corydalis 'G.P. Baker' is primarily a shade or partial shade plant that will reveal its full potential on the edge of undergrowth. It can be planted with other perennials that are not afraid of the competition from tree or shrub roots. Accompany it with Solomon's Seal's cousin (Uvularia grandiflora), hardy fuchsias, purple creeping bugle, Japanese anemones, Balkan Digitalis, Tricyrtis, a carpet of periwinkle, and 'Ivory Heart' bleeding heart. This plant also performs well in pots and creates a beautiful effect in hanging baskets from which it cascades. Plant this corydalis above walls or in shaded rockeries.