Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’

Description

Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ is a stunning perennial that features fragrant purple flowers and delicate golden foliage, making it an excellent choice for any garden. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ flourishes throughout the growing season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ is in early spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the plant to establish strong roots before its flowering period.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ in early autumn. This ensures that the plant has enough time to establish itself before the cooler months and encourages vigorous growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ prefers partial shade but will tolerate a range of light conditions. Aim for a spot that receives dappled sunlight for most of the day.
• Soil: This plant thrives in cool, moist, free-draining soil. It’s essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as Corydalis is sensitive to soggy conditions. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the root ball. This gives Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ enough space for its roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix well-rotted compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which promotes healthy growth.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and help the roots establish. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Corydalis prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate being waterlogged. Water during dry spells and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Water only when the soil is exceptionally dry, as Corydalis requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage robust growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help promote continued flowering and ensure that Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ maintains its vitality throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ to extend the blooming period. This will also help to keep the plant tidy and encourage more blooms.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the flowering season is over, trim back the plant to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for winter dormancy and ensures healthy growth in the next growing season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of  your Corydalis to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for best results.
• Winter: Add a layer of mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots from extreme cold. This will also help prevent frost heaving and keep the plant safe until the following spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ typically has a compact growth habit and does not require staking. However, if you live in a particularly windy area, staking may be necessary to keep the plant upright and prevent damage.

Final Tips

Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that adds charm to any garden with its fragrant purple flowers and attractive golden foliage. By planting it in a cool, moist, partial-shade location with well-drained soil, and following this care routine, your Corydalis will thrive year after year, offering vibrant blooms from March to August.

RHS Details

See more Corydalis from Proctors