Canary Feathers Corydalis

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

9-12 Inches

Mature Spread

9-12 Inches

Growing Zones

6 to 9

An improved hybrid of C. moorcroftiana x C. wilsonii, Canary Feathers Corydalis bring gardeners with cool shady locations a bright alternative to standard shade garden inhabitants. Growing much more vigorously, with larger flowers and more of them, Canary Feathers brings the best of its parent plants and quickly outshines them. With its fern-like dark green foliage and its bright spikes of tubular yellow flowers, you will soon have a new favorite shade garden perennial.

Native to temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including the mountain regions of East Africa, Corydalis is reliably hardy in Zones 6-9. It thrives best in cool summer climates, and will go dormant in hot humid summer regions. Although some Zone 5 gardeners can successfully grow Corydalis, you may find yourself cutting it back and providing winter protection in order for it to survive the harsher winters. It may bloom well into the fall in areas that it thrives in, gracing shady areas even longer with its bright color.

Canary Feathers Corydalis Care

Corydalis prefer a soil with rich humus that drains well. They are typically not drought tolerant, but can withstand the hot summer months better than its parent varieties. It doesn’t typically survive well in Zone 9 summers, though, as it needs the winter chill to prepare for the spring emergence. Water regularly for best results. This long blooming perennial prefers an acidic to neutral soil, but tolerates other conditions reasonably well. They also tolerate a full sun location if in a cool summer climate. You typically do not need to fertilize these long blooming perennials as long as the soil is rich in nutrients.

Deadheading will gain you a sparse rebloom and may be worth the effort. The plant will go dormant for the winter. Pruning is not needed and not recommended. You can divide this perennial every 2 to 4 years for best performance. You may find that it performs well in hanging baskets and patio containers, although they will not be winter hardy when used in this manner.

Canary Feathers Corydalis Spacing

Space your plants 9 to 12 inches apart for best plant health. Canary Feathers Corydalis grows to about 12 inches tall and wide. Although not susceptible to most plant diseases nor insect infestations, some aphids and thrips infestations are possible and can be treated with insecticidal soap applications. Plant these lovely bright bloomers in shady borders, rock gardens and woodland edgings for best effect.