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.
‘Canary Feathers’ is sterile and will not self-seed in the garden.
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.
‘Canary Feathers’ is a hybrid corydalis that features compound, feathery, blue-green leaves and flower spikes of tube-shaped canary yellow flowers (each to 3/4” long). It is a patented plant resulting from a planned cross between Corydalis moorcroftiana (seed parent) and Corydalis wilsonii (pollen parent). Flowers bloom 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. ‘Canary Feathers’ typically grows in a mound to 7” tall and 10” wide, with flower spikes rising above the foliage to 9” tall. U.S. Plant Patent PP18,909 was issued June 10, 2008.
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.