Other Names:  Rock Harlequin

Description:

This variety produces a profusion of delicate sprays of dainty pink flowers with yellow tips in spring, and will continue to bloom all summer; the soft blue-green foliage is airy and attractive; should be sited in cool, moist, partly shaded locations

Ornamental Features

Pale Corydalis has clusters of pink tubular flowers with yellow tips rising above the foliage from mid spring to early fall, which are interesting on close inspection. Its attractive lobed compound leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Pale Corydalis is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

Pale Corydalis is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Pale Corydalis will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 16 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and tends to be biennial, meaning that it puts on vegetative growth the first year, flowers the second, and then dies. However, this species tends to self-seed and will thereby endure for years in the garden if allowed. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.