Corydalis 'Purple Leaf' Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf'

Water

Blue corydalis should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during the growing season from spring to fall. Typically, they require watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Make sure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to prevent overwatering. When watering, use enough water to saturate the soil deeply; for a medium-sized pot, this might be approximately 16-24 ounces per watering session. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to account for the plant's reduced growth and dormancy.

Light

Blue corydalis thrives best in dappled shade, where it can be sheltered from the intense midday sun. An ideal spot would be under a canopy of leaves where it receives filtered sunlight for most of the day, or in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid placing the plant in deep shade or in full sunlight, as both extremes can hamper its growth and flowering.

Temperature

Blue corydalis prefers cooler temperatures and does best in a range between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a minimum temperature of just above freezing, but extended exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful. Optimal growth occurs when the plant is kept within its preferred temperature range, and it should be protected from extreme heat above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Prune blue corydalis to remove spent flowers and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done after the main flowering period, typically in the late spring or early summer. Deadheading, or removing the faded flowers, can also promote a second bloom. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to shape the plant and maintain its appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Blue corydalis 'Purple Leaf' prefers humus-rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. The best soil mix can be created by combining loamy garden soil with compost and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Repotting

Blue corydalis 'Purple Leaf' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its container. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Blue corydalis 'Purple Leaf' thrives in moderate humidity conditions, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid environments that are too dry as it prefers a slightly moist atmosphere.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Blue corydalis 'Purple Leaf' in bright, indirect light inside.

• Outdoor

  Plant Blue corydalis 'Purple Leaf' in shade or part sun outside.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf', commonly known as Purple Leaf Corydalis, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in the spring, emerging from the soil as small seedlings in cool, moist conditions. The seedlings develop into mature plants with distinctive purplish foliage and graceful racemes of blue or purple flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects, the plant sets seed in the form of elongated capsules that release seeds when mature. Once the flowering and seed-setting stages are complete, the plant will start to die back, especially if temperatures rise or conditions become too dry, entering a period of dormancy during the hotter summer months. In the fall or following spring, the plant will re-emerge from its tuber-like rhizomes if the conditions are right, continuing its life cycle. Over time, the rhizomes can spread, slowly forming larger clumps or colonies of plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf', more commonly known as Blue Panda Corydalis, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is in the fall after the foliage has died back or in early spring before new growth begins. When dividing, gently dig up the entire clump of the Blue Panda Corydalis and carefully separate the tubers, making sure each division has at least one growth point or eye. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing at a spacing of about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) apart, ensuring good soil contact. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.