Spinners Corydalis Corydalis 'Spinners'

Water

The Bleeding Heart (Corydalis 'Spinners') appreciates moist soil, so it's important to water it whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. A good approach is to check the moisture level once or twice a week and water accordingly. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might find that it needs water once or twice a week. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water to ensure that the moisture reaches deep into the root zone. During winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks or even less, depending on the indoor conditions or rainfall if planted outdoors.

Light

Bleeding Hearts prefer a spot with partial shade, particularly in areas with hot summers. They thrive with morning sunlight and protection from the intense midday sun. An ideal position would be under the dappled light of a tree or on the east side of a building where they can receive gentle morning light and avoid the potentially damaging effects of the full afternoon sun.

Temperature

Bleeding Hearts do best in temperate climates, with an ideal temperature range between 50°F and 75°F. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but will go dormant. The plant may suffer if the temperature rises above 80°F, so during hot spells, providing some extra shade can help maintain appropriate temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning Bleeding Hearts (Corydalis 'Spinners') mainly involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and trimming back any dead or yellowed foliage. The best time to prune is after flowering has ceased, or in the late fall when the plant begins to go dormant. Pruning is not usually required very often—once at the end of the blooming season and perhaps a touch-up during the growing period if necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Corydalis 'Spinners', commonly known as Fumewort, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a composition rich in organic material, such as leaf compost or well-rotted manure. A good mix might include garden soil, peat, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Fumewort prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.5 to 7.

Repotting

Fumewort should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Fumewort prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to normal household humidity conditions. Avoid placing it in excessively dry environments to maintain its health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Corydalis 'Spinners', a perennial flowering plant, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, ideally in well-drained soil and partially shaded conditions. Upon germination, the plant develops a rosette of fern-like, blue-green foliage from which the roots also establish themselves in the soil. As the plant matures, it sends up flowering stalks that showcase its distinct purple-blue blooms typically in the spring. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers produce elongated seed pods that disperse seeds when ripe, allowing for self-sowing if conditions are favorable. Following the bloom period, the above-ground foliage of Corydalis 'Spinners' may die back, especially if summer temperatures are hot and the plant is in a dry location, entering a period of dormancy. With the onset of cooler temperatures and moist conditions in the fall or next spring, the plant will re-emerge from its rootstock to repeat the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Corydalis 'Spinners' is by division. This is ideally done in autumn or early spring when the plant is not in active growth. To divide, carefully lift the clump from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring minimal damage to the roots. Once lifted, use your hands or a sharp knife to gently tease apart the roots into several smaller clumps, each with a section of the crown and several roots. After division, replant the new divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give each plant enough room to grow. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This technique allows gardeners to create new plants that will mature and flower more quickly than those started from seed.