Also known as Fumewort · 292 gardener saves
Corydalis: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Corydalis, the genus most gardeners know as fumewort. We track 13 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Corydalis varieties
Of 13 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedCorydalis linstowiana
Corydalis linstowiana
#2 most savedGolden Panda Corydalis
Corydalis flexuosa 'Golden Panda'
#3 most saved'Berry Exciting' Corydalis
Corydalis anthriscifolia 'Berry Exciting'
Corydalis heterocarpa
Corydalis heterocarpa
Corydalis elata
Corydalis elata
Blue Corydalis
Corydalis flexuosa
Yellow Corydalis
Corydalis lutea 'Yellow Bleeding Heart'
Porcelain Blue Corydalis
Corydalis flexuosa 'Porcelain Blue'
Fern-leaf Corydalis
Corydalis cheilanthifolia
Corydalis ophiocarpa
Corydalis ophiocarpa
Blue Panda Corydalis
Corydalis flexuosa 'Blue Panda'
Golden Corydalis
Corydalis aurea
Browse all 13 Corydalis varieties →
How to grow Corydalis
What the Corydalis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Corydalis year
- Spring CleanupFebruary77% of varieties
Clear away old debris before new shoots emerge
- PlantMarch, September and October62% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in rich, well-drained, shaded soil
- MulchMarch and April54% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or compost to keep roots cool and moist
- DivideAugust and September54% of varieties
Divide clumps every few years when the plant is dormant
- DeadheadApril and May31% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks to tidy appearance before summer dormancy
- FertilizeMarch31% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer as new growth appears
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply organic compost annually for healthy growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing which can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Corydalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Corydalis
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall, carefully separating roots and replanting immediately.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, taking 4-6 weeks for germination.
Corydalis questions
How many types of Corydalis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Corydalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 292 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Corydalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Corydalis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Corydalis bloom?
Most Corydalis varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Corydalis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Corydalis in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
