Kingfisher Corydalis Corydalis 'Kingfisher'

Water

Corydalis should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during the spring and summer growing seasons when the plant is most active. It's best to water this plant every few days, adjusting frequency based on weather conditions and the plant's life cycle, usually equating to about one inch of water per week. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to water more often to prevent the soil from drying out. Always provide water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering that can promote fungal diseases. Over-watering should be avoided as well, particularly in winter when the plant requires less moisture and too much water can lead to root rot.

Light

Corydalis 'Kingfisher' prefers a spot in partial shade with protection from the intense afternoon sun. It flourishes in an environment that offers morning sunlight and dappled afternoon shade, which mimics the light conditions of its natural woodland habitat. Ensure the plant is positioned in a location where natural light is filtered by nearby plants or shading structures, but it still receives enough light to support healthy growth.

Temperature

Corydalis thrives in temperate climates and does well in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit as long as the ground does not freeze. To encourage optimal growth, try to maintain the temperature around the ideal range, and protect the plant from extreme heat or cold by providing mulch or shade coverings as necessary.

Pruning

Pruning Corydalis 'Kingfisher' involves deadheading spent blooms to promote further flowering and removing any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health. Pruning is best done after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth. Regular pruning is not necessary; however, light trimming can be done as needed throughout the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fumewort (Corydalis 'Kingfisher') thrives in loose, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content; a mixture of loam, peat, and sand is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Fumewort should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, ensuring minimal stress and quicker recovery.

Humidity & Misting

Fumewort prefers moderate to high humidity environments. Maintaining a humidity level of around 50% to 70% will help this plant flourish indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Fumewort in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant Fumewort in dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Corydalis 'Kingfisher', commonly known as Fumewort, begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed by wind or rain and germinate either in autumn or spring, depending on environmental conditions. After germination, seedlings develop a rosette of leaves and a root system. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of divided, fern-like leaves and stems that may reach up to 40cm tall. In early spring, Fumewort produces delicate, tubular blue flowers that provide nectar for early-season pollinators. Following pollination by insects, the flowers develop into elongated seed pods that split open when ripe to release the seeds, continuing the cycle. During the summer, the plant goes dormant, with above-ground parts dying back, and it survives the hotter months as a tuber underground until the next favorable growth season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Corydalis 'Kingfisher', also known as Corydalis flexuosa 'Kingfisher', is usually propagated by dividing the tubers. The best time for this method is in the fall after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has started to die back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up a mature clump of Corydalis 'Kingfisher' and gently separate the tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point or eye. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 10 to 12 inches (approximately 25 to 30 centimeters) apart to give each new plant enough room to grow. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method encourages healthy, vigorous growth and will help proliferate your Corydalis 'Kingfisher' garden with identical plants to the parent.