RE: Blue Corydalis

Bill,
	As we have discussed in the past, the blue Corydalis do very well here in
the "wet west".  However, I really think it is the summer heat that kills
them in your area rather than cold winters.  Even here in cooler summer
temps, my blue ones are summer dormant.  But as soon as the temps begin to
cool in September, new growth will appear and even some fall blooms.  I tell
my customers to be sure to give them summer water even after they disappear
above ground.  It may be that keeping the soil cool is important for keeping
them alive during summer heat.  They are worth the extra effort it takes to
keep them going in my garden.  I have 2 large clumps of C.
China Blue growing & blooming well for at least 10 years.  I understand that
China Blue is more finicky, but it certainly has the purest blue flowers!

Marilyn Dube'
Natural Designs Nursery
Portland, Oregon


-----Original Message-----
From:	owner-perennials@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf
Of Blee811@aol.com
Sent:	Wednesday, February 26, 2003 7:37 PM
To:	perennials@hort.net
Subject:	Re: Blue Corydalis

In a message dated 2/26/2003 10:22:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ECPep@aol.com
writes:

> The blue flowered Corydalis are more difficult though a number of new ones
> are around for us to try.  C. elata is recommended here and is in
perennial
>
> nurseries to buy off the bench.  I plant all Corydalis in rocky areas, it
> looks good around rocks.

I have hopes for my C. lutea, Claire. It was still showing foliage when the
snow arrived. And I have it right at the top of a stone wall, surrounded by
gravelly soil. I think it will return in the spring (it may even be there
hiding under the snow and ice).

For blue-flowered corydalis, you can forget 'Blue Panda' and 'China Blue' in
this area. Nobody in the Cincinnati area can keep it alive. I also failed
with one planting of C. elata.  But Linda Wallpe and I have both had great
success with C. ex dufu temple, a bluish/purplish flowering corydalis. It
hasn't spread yet, but we've both kept it going for two years with no
special
care. I noticed it listed in Arrowhead Alpine's catalog and he is also
apparently the originator of it.  We bought it at a local nursery.
Bill Lee

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