Chocolate Stars Fumewort Corydalis temulifolia 'Chocolate Stars'

Water

Fumewort should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent rot. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering may be necessary once or twice a week depending on weather conditions; however, always check the top inch of soil for dryness before adding water. Aim to provide the fumewort with about one gallon of water per week, adjusting as needed based on rainfall and temperature. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and further in winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

Fumewort thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun. A north-facing garden or the shadowed side of a building or tree can offer the ideal lighting conditions for this plant to flourish.

Temperature

Fumewort prefers cool to moderate temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for fumewort is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the plant remains healthy and avoids stress from extreme conditions.

Pruning

Pruning fumewort is not often necessary but can be done to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Lightly prune or deadhead after the first flowering is over, usually in late spring or early summer. Regular trimming is not needed; however, if the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fumewort, or 'Chocolate Stars', prefers well-draining, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix with leaf mold, garden compost, and perlite or sand will create an ideal environment for its growth.

Repotting

Fumewort plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. They fare better when undisturbed, so it's best to repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Fumewort thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, similar to what you would find in its native woodland habitats. Maintain humidity levels around 50% to 60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Fumewort in indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Grow Fumewort in partial shade, with moist, rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Corydalis temulifolia 'Chocolate Stars', also known as Fumewort, begins with seed germination, where environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature trigger the growth of new plants from seeds. The seedlings develop true leaves and establish a small root system, entering a juvenile vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it enters the adult vegetative stage, where it forms a mound of dark, chocolate-brown leaves. During the flowering stage, Fumewort produces spikes of small, tubular purple flowers above the foliage, attracting pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed by various means such as wind or animal activity. Finally, as a perennial, Fumewort enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with the foliage dying back and the plant surviving the winter through its underground tuberous roots before re-emerging in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Corydalis temulifolia 'Chocolate Stars', commonly known as Fumewort, is best propagated in the garden by division or by seed. The preferred method is division, which should be performed in the autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Fumewort, ensuring you keep a good amount of the root system intact. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Make sure to water the new divisions well after planting to help establish them. Soil should be kept moist but not soggy to encourage the roots to grow and establish in their new location.