Family: Papaveraceae
Botanical name: Corydalis solida

Flower colour: pinkish-purple

Flowering period: March – April

Average plant height: 15 – 20 cm

Planting depth to base of bulb: 5 – 10 cm

Spacing between bulbs: 8 – 10 cm

Type of bulb: corm

Light requirements: partial shade

Landscape uses: rock gardens, and under shrubs and trees

At least 200 different species of Corydalis are known. They can be either annual plants or ones that will naturalise. Among the latter group are some that have tubers. Of these, Corydalis solida (Bird-in-a-bush) is the only one which is fairly commonly cultivated.

Its name is derived from the Latin word ‘korydalis’ meaning ‘crowned lark’, since the markings on the flower are similar to the tufted crown of a lark.

Corydalis comes originally from a wooded habitat, meaning that it tolerates various degrees of shade. Although its colour is not unusual, this flower’s shape is quite unique. Its decorative, finely textured foliage is bluish-green. Corydalis is very suitable for naturalising under trees and shrubs.