Description
A close relative of C. bracteata however Corydalis gracilis has fewer, but substantially larger blooms, spaced evenly along a shorter stem. Large, broad mouthed flowers of bright primrose yellow with a deeper coloured nose, from March to April. Makes a superb and reliable display early in the year.
It naturally makes only very small tubers and these are quite irregular in shape, although it makes up for the small tuber size, by making offsets on short stolons.
In case the thought occurs to you, this has nothing in common with yellow-flowered weeds such as C. lutea I should mention that Corydalis gracilis is a rare, very well-mannered gem, and coming from Siberia, it loves cold gardens. For cultivation it is best in the garden, though it tolerates an alpine house well if kept cold in winter. I will enjoy a humus-rich soil or compost, but one with good drainage. We find that it does NOT like to be dried off totally in summer.
