Corydalis 'Blue Panda' Corydalis flexuosa 'Blue Panda'

Water

Blue Panda corydalis should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once or twice a week depending on temperature and humidity. Provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, the plant may require less. Use roughly half a gallon of water per plant, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the base without splashing the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.

Light

Blue Panda corydalis thrives in partial shade, preferring bright but indirect light. A spot that receives dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal. This plant can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, but it's best to avoid the intense midday sun which can scorch its leaves.

Temperature

Blue Panda corydalis prefers cooler conditions and is hardy in temperatures that range from about 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from harsh winter winds. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Blue Panda corydalis is best done to maintain its shape and remove any spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadheading, or cutting off the old flower stems, can be done throughout the blooming season. Cut back the plant in late fall after the first frost to prepare it for winter and promote healthy growth in the spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Blue Panda Corydalis thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, leaf mold, and compost is ideal to maintain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away.

Repotting

Blue Panda Corydalis should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant appears to be outgrowing its current container, to refresh the soil and allow room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Blue Panda Corydalis prefers a moderately humid environment; maintaining humidity levels around 50-60% is ideal for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide part shade, cool temps, and keep soil moist for indoor Blue Panda.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, rich soil, and ensure adequate moisture outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

'Blue Panda' Corydalis begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in a well-drained soil mix in early spring, will germinate and develop into a seedling. The plant grows rapidly, forming a rosette of finely divided, fern-like blue-green foliage, and by late spring to early summer, it starts to produce its distinctive blue-violet, tubular flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected or allowed to self-sow. 'Blue Panda' Corydalis goes dormant in the summer, especially if conditions are hot and dry, retreating to its tuberous root until cooler, moist conditions return in the fall. During dormancy, the plant conserves energy and undergoes physiological rest. The following spring, 'Blue Panda' Corydalis resumes growth, repeating its life cycle, and sprouting new shoots from its tuberous root.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: Corydalis flexuosa 'Blue Panda', commonly known as Blue Panda Corydalis, is typically propagated by division. The ideal time to propagate this plant by division is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy and the new growth is just beginning to show. To propagate Blue Panda Corydalis, carefully lift the plant from the ground with a shovel, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to minimize disturbance. Gently tease apart the clumps of roots and shoots, making sure each division has a healthy section of roots and a few shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and remove any air pockets.