CORYDALIS (Fumariaceae)
Fumewort |
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We,
like many other plantaholics, have fallen under the spell of these
perky little denizens of forest and mountain. What gardener with a
heart and soul could resist
their spring flowers, whose winged petals with upswept spurs suggest
a flight of elfin butterflies? Or, for that matter, their lacily
divided leaves, which come in a kaleidoscope of colors from gray to
deep green? As a tribe
that hails from diverse habitats across much of the northern
hemisphere, Corydalis includes at least a few species for any
garden, whatever its circumstances. Gardeners with shade and summer
rain can select from the bounty of species that inhabit the woodlands
of Europe, east Asia, and North America. Conversely, those who garden
in rocky or sandy soil or in dry-summer areas can explore the diversity
of the Mediterranean and central Asian species. Not that you have to
restrict yourself to species from similar climes. Indeed, as long as
they are buffered from summer heat and drought (the woodlanders) or
from excess summer moisture (the Mediterranean and steppe natives),
most
corydalis will succeed in climates that depart from that of their home
range (some corydaphiles even dig the tubers in summer to keep them
sufficiently dry). For all these reasons and more, Corydalis should be a
staple of any
bulb garden (or bulb frame). |
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| Corydalis Χ allenii
~ Good things were bound to ensue when C. solida and C. bracteata got together, and here is the evidence that they did. Crowded spikes of pale creamy-yellow flowers with purplish lips disport themselves on 6- to 8-inch stems in early spring. The tubers increase relatively rapidly to form lusty clumps. Give it some shade and a woodsy soil and it will do the rest. Zone 4. Enter quantity:
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1/$9
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| Corydalis Χ allenii 'Enno'
~ The eponymous moniker invokes the first name of the Estonian corydalophile who discovered this larger-, creamier-flowered cultivar. We do not believe that the plant is in anyway Ennomorphic, however. It certainly is a keeper. Zone 4. Enter quantity:
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1/$12
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 Corydalis angustifolia
~ This charming woodlander bears numerous creamy-white, purple-"nosed"
flowers on 4-inch stems clad with airy, deeply cleft, grass-green
leaves. Self-fertile, it will increase by self-sowing, but not
invasively (except in pots). Because its range includes central Asian
steppe, it will need more light and a drier summer "rest" than do most
other woodland species. Modified continental/steppe; Caucasus to N
Iran. Zone 4.Enter quantity:
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1/$12
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| Corydalis angustifolia 'Thalysh Dawn'
~ A Ruksans selection of this charming woodlander, bearing pink-suffused, purple-snouted
flowers on 4-inch stems clad with airy, deeply cleft, grass-green
leaves. Self-fertile, it will increase by self-sowing, but not
invasively (except in pots). Because it is from central Asian
steppe, it will need more light and a drier summer "rest" than do most
other woodland species. Steppe; Azerbiajan. Zone 4. Enter quantity:
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1/$13
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 Corydalis cava
~ Arguably the best-known (along with C. solida) and most ornamental of the corydali, and undisputedly one of the largest in tuber, this woodland native is nonetheless rarely found on offer in this country. Here is your chance to add this recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit to your garden. N Europe to C Asia. Zone 5.Enter quantity:
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1/$6.50 |
 Corydalis glaucescens
'Early Beauty'
~ This pale-pink-flowered selection is especially valuable for its extremely early bloom season (March & early April). Steppe; C Asia. Zone 4.
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1/$12 |
 Corydalis glaucescens
'Medeo'
~ In this equally alluring but somewhat later-blooming version of C.
glaucescens,
the white petals bear a rose-lilac central stripe. Steppe; C Asia. Zone
4.
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1/$9 |
 Corydalis glaucescens
'Pink Beauty'
~ Yet another gorgeous take on this many-splendored species, bearing
copious quantities of soft-pink flowers, in perfect counterpoint to the
gray
foliage. Striking. Steppe; C Asia. Zone 4.
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1/$9 |
| Corydalis gracilis
~ Was a time when we thought that nothing corydaline could compare to the lambent lemon-yellow flowers of the rare and sumptuous C. bracteata. Then this rare beauty sailed in, with even larger flowers of a similar comportment and color, on somewhat more compact plants. We were apparently wrong. The tubers are much smaller than those of most other woodland corydali, so kindly do not feel cheated if what you receive appears ridiculously small for the admittedly hefty price. By the way, how can something this beautiful be this hardy? Continental/modified continental; E Russia. Zone 4. Enter quantity:
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1/$18 |
| Corydalis integra
~ Much more elegant than the Honda model of the same name, and far longer lived in the open garden, this vigorous and hardy species bears relatively tall many-flowered spires of palest pink blooms with long spurs and purple snouts. The glaucous leaves provide a natty foil. It blooms with most of the rest of the corydali mid-April here. It frequents mountain cliffs in the wild, so a sloping or otherwise well-drained garden spot is advisable. Modified continental/Mediterranean/montane; E Balkans to NW Turkey. Zone 5. Enter quantity:
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1/$12 |
 Corydalis kusnetzovii
~ It's like a pink-suffused C.
vittae, which if
you're a corydaphile should have you scrambling for your checkbook. If
you're not a corydaphile, perhaps you haven't experienced this
species. It's never too late to start a new plant addiction. Modified
continental;
NW Caucasus, SW Russia. Zone 5.
Enter quantity:
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1/$10
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 Corydalis nudicaulis
~ "Elegant and distinct" (Lidén & Zetterlund), this recently
introduced species – with airy, many-flowered clusters of slender,
long-spurred, white, chocolate-dipped flowers in early April on 6-inch
stems
– is high on every corydaphile's wishlist. Quite adaptable, it
prefers full to partial sun and humus-rich, sharply drained soil.
Steppe;
Tajikistan. Zone 5.
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1/$15 |
 Corydalis paschei
~ Bulb hunter and corydalis guru Erich Pasche gave his name to this "vigorous and handsome species" (Lidén & Zetterlund), so you know it has to be a beauty. Soft-pink flowers with broad-flaring lips and purple-blotched noses bow from unusually long pedicels in April. Mediterranean; SW Turkey. Zone5.
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1/$14 |
| Corydalis pumila
~ Corydalis fanciers do not generally do handsprings over this diminutive relative of C. solida, but the bicolored form offered here makes an excellent candidate for the lightly shaded garden. The purple and white flowers cluster densely on 4-inch stems in early spring. A further argument for this little charmer is its tolerance of alkaline or dry soils (or even both at once). It will self-sow where happy, and will also interbreed with C. solida. Modified continental/Mediterranean; C Scandinavia to N Greece. Zone 5.
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1/$3.50
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 Corydalis ruksansii
~ Any corydalis named after Janis Ruksans, corydalis guru, has to be good. This is. The flowers resemble those of C. nudicaulis, but with the chocolate coloration confined to their tips, giving them a rather endearing "button nose" look. Ruksans' corydalis should succeed throughout much of the U.S. if given ample sun and good drainage. Steppe; Tadjikistan. Zone 5.
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1/$18
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 Corydalis schanginii
ssp. ainae
~ We know we are going to trigger outbreaks of corydalis lust by
offering this "gem of the genus" (Lidén & Zetterlund), but
that is our job, after all. The long (up to 1.5-inch), slender flowers
have clear golden-yellow, purple-tipped "snouts" and twisting, pale
pink or white spurs – an arresting color scheme. Completing the picture
are the purple stems and fleshy gray leaves. A masterpiece. Given sharp
drainage and ample light, it should succeed outdoors in most
cold-winter areas of the U.S. Steppe; Kazakhstan. Zone 4.
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1/$16 |
 Corydalis schanginii
ssp. schanginii
~ If it's possible for any corydalis to be more magnificent than C.
schanginii ssp. ainae, here it is. Swarms of
enormous (by corydaline standards) flowers of soft rose-pink (with
contrasting purple veins and tips) crowd long racemes above a
complement of fleshy gray leaves. Although it demands perfect drainage
and full sun, especially if it is to survive in the open garden in
moist-summer areas, it is well worth every effort. Steppe; S Russia to
W Mongolia. Zone 4.
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1/$11 |
 Corydalis solida reddish seedlings ~ An assortment of ruddy-flowered seedlings of C. solida, at a nice price. As with most of the corydalis, it blooms in early spring and goes dormant in summer. Modified continental/Mediterranean;
N Europe-Asia.
Zone 5. |
SOLD OUT
1/$2
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 Corydalis solida violet seedlings ~ As above, but with seedlings whose flowers will be in the violet end of the spectrum. Modified continental/Mediterranean;
N Europe-Asia.
Zone 5.Enter quantity:
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1/$2
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 Corydalis solida
'Blushing Girl'
~ This year, as always, we offer some of the rarest and
best cultivars of C. solida. This beauty is
distinguished by its dense clusters of rich pastel-pink, cream-tinged
flowers. Its habit is neat and compact. This and most of the following cultivars bloom in mid-April here. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5.
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1/$6.50 |
| Corydalis solida
'Cantata'
~ Of Penza strain lineage (whence have come numerous other outstanding culivars including 'White Knight'), 'Cantata' flaunts numerous dense spikes of large bright pink blooms on 8-inch stems. The flowers' lips are broadly banded with white. Janis Ruksans considers this one of his finest selections of C. solida. It might have you trilling an aria or two. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5.
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SOLD OUT
1/$15 |
| Corydalis solida
'Evening Dream'
~ One of the treasure trove of exciting C. solida cultivars that trace their origin to the vicinity of Penza in western Russia, this dreamy corydalis displays dense spikes of pale icy blue flowers on compact stems. The relatively dark leaves contrast tellingly with the ethereal blooms. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5.
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1/$12 |
| Corydalis solida
'George Baker'
~ For all the many beautiful takes on C. solida that have surfaced lately, this brick-red, "superb" selection (Lidιn & Zetterlund) remains one of the best. We have the real thing, rather than one of the inferior pretenders circulating under this name. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5.
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1/$12 |
| Corydalis solida
'Nettleton Pink'
~ A vigorous clone with large racemes of deep pink flowers, produced
early in the C. solida season. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5. Enter quantity:
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1/$12 |
| Corydalis solida
'Prasil Strain' ~ Despite its name, this is a vegetatively
propagated, brick-red clone of Prasil Strain extraction. The color is
deepest in cool springs. A more vigorous rival of
'George P. Baker', self-sowing and dividing to form rubicund colonies.
Woodsy conditions. Modified continental; N Europe-Asia.
Zone 5.
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1/$12 |
| Corydalis solida
'Sixtus' ~ The outback of Romania has yielded more than its share of beautiful corydali from the rosy end of the spectrum. This one has lively light pink, purple-tinged flowers. Modified continental; N Europe-Asia.
Zone 5.
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1/$10 |
 Corydalis solida
'Snowstorm'
~ A blizzard of white flowers envelops compact, glossy-leaved plants in April a month not immune to snowstorms in these parts. Corydalis guru Janis Ruksans numbers this among his favorites. Modified
continental/Mediterranean. Zone 5.
Enter quantity:
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1/$10 |
| Corydalis solida Sunset Strain ~ Most of the best red-flowered corydalis originate from Romania, whence derives the moniker "transylvanica", which is often applied to them. These are seedlings of some of the best of the transylvanica line. All will be red (with the best color occuring in cooler districts), and some will rival the priciest clones. Modified continental; Romania. Zone 5. Enter quantity:
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1/$9
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 Corydalis solida
'White Knight'
~ Large, abundant, pure-white flowers ride in at the end of the C. solida season. Modified
continental/Mediterranean.
Zone 5. |
SOLD OUT
1/$12 |
| Corydalis solida ssp.
incisa 'Vermion Snow'
~ While on a trek to Greece's Mt. Vermion, bulb guru Brian Mathew discovered and named this beautiful white selection of "the most elegant" (Lidιn & Zetterlund) of the solida tribe. As with all members of this subspecies the finely divided leaves provide a splendid foil to the flowers. Mediterranean. Zone 5.
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1/$12 |
| Corydalis turtschaninovii
~ We are delighted to welcome this surpassingly beautiful clear blue-flowered corydalis back to the catalog. As many as 2 dozen of these blooms form dense caerulean spikes on 6- to 8-inch stems in late April, at the end of the corydalis season. No genus does blue better than this one. As if that weren't enough, it's also exceptionally hardy. Continental; Manchuria to SE Russia. Zone 4.
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1/$15
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| Corydalis wendelboi
~ An exemplary rock garden plant, bearing rue-like blue-green leaves
and dense terminal clusters of purple flowers on 4-inch stems. Sharp
drainage and full sun are a must. Mediterranean/steppe; SW
Turkey. Zone 5.
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1/$9 |
ERYTHRONIUM (Liliaceae)
Dogtooth violet; trout lily |
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 Erythronium dens-canis 'Frans Hals' ~ Rich violet-purple flowers are artistically ornamented with
maroon and yellow throats; Modified
continental/maritime/continental; Europe to Japan. Zone 3.
Enter quantity:
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1/$3.50
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| Erythronium dens-canis 'Rose Queen' ~ A
pastel-rose-pink selection, distinct from the more common 'Pink
Perfection'.
Modified continental/maritime/continental; Europe to Japan. Zone 3.
Enter quantity:
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1/$2.50
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| Erythronium dens-canis 'Snowflake' ~
Lacking the prominent basal blotch of 'White Splendor', this is perhaps the purest white of the erythronia.
Modified continental/maritime/continental; Europe to Japan. Zone 3. Enter quantity:
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1/$3.50
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| Erythronium dens-canis 'White Splendour' ~
White, dark-eyed flowers appear earlier than those of most erythronia.
Modified continental/maritime/continental; Europe to Japan. Zone 3. Enter quantity:
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1/$4.50
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FRITILLARIA (Liliaceae)
Fritillary; guinea hen flower; crown imperial |
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| Fritillaria acmopetala
~ As with many frits, razzmatazz this species does not have. But subtle, almost elemental elegance that it possesses in ample supply. The olive-green, purple-stained thimble flowers arch inquisitively from atop 12-inch stems in April. It takes readily to just about any well-drained soil in sun. Mediterranean; SW Turkey to Lebanon,& Cyprus. Zone 6.
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>SOLD OUT
1/$3 |
| Fritillaria bucharica 'Nurek Giant'
~ Conical clusters of upwards of a dozen white cupped flowers rather than the usual 3 to 7 crown 18-inch stems in April, making for the showiest form of one of the few white-flowered frits. Requires good drainage and dry,
warm summer conditions. Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 5. |
SOLD OUT
1/$12 |
| Fritillaria camschatcensis
~ This is a rather compact form (both in height and in stoloniferous spread) of this far-flung, multifarious, but always beautiful species, in this case deploying as many as 6 chocolate-purple flowers on each 12-inch stem. It likes partial shade or sun and humus-rich soil. Modified
continental/continental. Zone 3.
Enter quantity:
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1/$3.50 |
 Fritillaria caucasica
~ Inch-long bells of concord-grape-purple dangle from 12-inch stems in
April.
Native to subalpine meadows, it likes a humus-rich soil and full sun.
Modified continental/montane; Caucasus to NW Iran. Zone 5.
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1/$12 |
 Fritillaria eduardii
~ The crown jewel of the genus, bearing a corona of broad-flaring,
3-inch-wide, outfacing, orange flowers atop a 2- to 3-foot stem in
April, the whole giving the impression of a rarefied F. imperialis (WITHOUT the stench). Ample sun and well-drained, rich soil will bring the best results (it winters easily here). Propagation is by seed only, with 7 or 8 years from germination to bloom thus the scarcity and the steep price of these flowering-size bulbs. Steppe; Tajikistan. Zone 6.
Enter quantity:
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1/$25
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| Fritillaria imperialis
'Aureomarginata' ~ Yes, indeed a variegated crown imperial. Before you mutter "what will they think of next," consider that this cultivar dates from the seventeenth century. True, the leaves and hence their cream-edged margins are on the emphemeral side, but they do attract a lot of attention when they shimmer forth in late winter. The flowers are the typical reddish-orange. As with others of its species, this ancient but obscure cultivar flowers in April on 3-foot stems and prefers fertile soil, good drainage, and full sun. Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 4.
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1/$18 |
| Fritillaria imperialis
'Ruduke' ~ Here is a color break in the crown imperials, with flowers of amber or honey or some other golden-yellow-with-a-touch-of-orange hue. Their tracery of dark veins makes them even more striking. An exciting addition to the frit clan. Steppe/montane; C Asia.
Zone 4.
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1/$18 |
| Fritillaria involucrata
~ A tolerance for shade and a penchant for self-sowing set this apart
from the usual run of fritillaries, and suit it for naturalizing in the
woodland garden. Conversely, the dainty, nodding, purple and green
flowers borne in April and May on 1-foot stems are charmingly
typical. Mediterranean; S Europe. Zone 6.
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1/$11
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| Fritillaria meleagris
'Jupiter'
~ It's altogether fitting that the planet Jupiter known for its Big Red Spot should lend its name to this, the Big Red Guinea Hen Flower. Like Jupiter in opposition on a clear spring night, it will draw the eye of anyone who's paying any attention at all. (Which reminds us somehow of the story of the calls that flooded the Griffith Observatory on the night of the Northridge Earthquake, inquiring as to the strange glow in the sky. Which, as you may have guessed, was the Milky Way.) Modified continental/maritime; Europe. Zone 4. |
SOLD OUT
1/$7 |
| Fritillaria meleagris
'Mars'
~ Moving on to the next planet (or, rather, IN to the next planet):
Although named after a middling terrestrial orb, 'Mars' belies its moniker by producing showy, deep-purple flowers which approach 'Jupiter' in size. For those of you who have ordered and not received it in past years this year we're SURE we have some. No earthlings were harmed in the production of these bulbs. Modified continental/maritime; Europe. Zone 4. |
SOLD OUT
1/$5 |
| Fritillaria meleagris
'Saturnus'
~ Another cultivar that should be of astronomical interest to our fellow bulb junkies out there, this rare beauty is NOT the color of methane, but rather a pale violet suffused with red. Ring not included. Modified continental/maritime; Europe. Zone 4. |
SOLD OUT
1/$7 |
| Fritillaria minuta
~ Its soft-brick-orange funnel-flowers (borne singly on 6-inch stems in April and May), its
rarity, and its preference for moist, partially shaded conditions make this not only one of the most remarkable and prized frits but also one of the most gardenworthy. Montane/Mediterranean; SE Turkey. Zone 5. |
SOLD OUT
1/$9
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| Fritillaria nigra
~ Whether this species actually exists is in serious question (it shows close affinities with F. montana, F. orientalis, and F. pyrenaica), but all are agreed that it is one of the best of the genus for the open garden. The purple-checkered flowers (on a green background) are broadly bell-shaped and nod from 20-inch stems. Montane/Mediterranean; S France to Caucasus. Zone 5.
Enter quantity:
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1/$5
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 Fritillaria pallidiflora ~ Large
(1.5-inch), primrose-yellow bells, dangling from foot-tall stems above
ribbed, gray-green leaves, provide one of the highlights of the April
shade garden. Add some trilliums and Mertensia virginica,
and you’ve got a masterpiece. Very easy and very hardy (it even
self-sows). Our bulbs are NOT from and are superior to mass trade stock. Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 3. AGM |
SOLD OUT
1/$5 |
| Fritillaria pinardii ~ This could be a centerfold for the elegant-but-subtle frit look. Possibly a rather abbreviated centerfold, as it stands all of 6 inches tall in bloom. One-inch-long, purple lanterns with a dusty overlay and yellow interiors nod from glaucous, rather broad-leaved stems in early spring. Perfect for a trough or pot. Steppe/montane; Armenia to Turkey. Enter quantity:
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1/$9 |
| Fritillaria pontica ~
"A good species for the rock garden" (Jelitto & Schacht), this "under-rated fritillary is easy to grow in a semi-shaded garden position" (Leeds). The relatively large flowers are pale frit-green with hints of brown and purple, and appear on foot-tall stems. Modified continental; Balkans to NE Turkey. Zone 5. Enter quantity:
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1/$5 |
 Fritillaria raddeana ~ A crown
imperial that's been to finishing school. Airy coronas of
moonlight-yellow, cup-shaped, 2-inch-wide flowers crown 18- to 24-inch
stems in April. Sun, good drainage, and some summer warmth suit it
best. This is in our experience the most vigorous and perennial of the crown imperial types. Steppe; NE Iran. Zone 4.
Enter quantity:
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1/$15 |
 Fritillaria sewerzowii
~ A curious and hauntingly beautiful species which is sometimes placed
in its own genus, this has been on our wish list for many years. The
green, flaring flowers bow from broad-leaved, 10-inch stems, which
arise from unusually large bulbs. It requires well-drained soil and may
need protection from rain in moist-summer areas. Steppe; C Asia. Zone
4.
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1/$15 |
| Fritillaria thunbergii
~ Ivory, green-checkered thimbles nod from 2-foot, whorled-leaved stems
in April. One of the best frits for naturalizing, it thrives in
moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade. Modified continental; E
Asia. Zone 5.
Enter quantity:
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1/$4 |
| Fritillaria whittallii
~ Imagine a green-checkered, brown-flowered, 8-inch-tall F. meleagris,
and
you'll get the gist of this rock-garden candidate. It is among the
frits that require sharp drainage and sun. Mediterranean; SW Turkey.
Zone 6.
Enter quantity:
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1/$9 |