Culture
Grow in moist, humusy, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Plants prefer cool summer climates. If foliage significantly depreciates in hot summers, plants may be cut back. Plants are not reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5 where they should be planted in protected locations.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Corydalis is a genus of about 300 species of annuals, biennials or perennials from mostly north temperate areas.
Genus name comes from the Greek word korydalis meaning lark in reference to the resemblance of the plant’s floral spurs to the spurs of some larks.
‘Blackberry Wine’ is a hybrid corydalis that features compound, fern-like, blue-green leaves with 3-lobed leaflets and axillary racemes of fragrant, tube-shaped wine-purple flowers (to 3/4” long). This plant typically forms a mound of foliage to 10” tall and 18” wide and blooms from May to July. If foliage is cut back after bloom, a sparse rebloom later in the summer or early fall may occur. In cool summer climates, plants may bloom throughout the summer and into fall.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to aphids, mites and rust.
Uses
The yellow flowers are an excellent addition to shaded garden areas. Rock gardens or border fronts. At the base of large shrubs. Forms a nice ground cover in shaded woodland or cottage garden areas. Also reportedly performs well in hanging baskets and containers.