Corydalis solida

Corydalis solida, dainty woodland tuber producing tubular flowers above mounds of attractive green leaves in early spring.

he soft-mauve flowers are intriguing, looking like small birds with upturned tails. Although seemingly fragile, it is a surprisingly strong and resiliant perennial.

Excellent for the wild garden where it may be left for years in the same place. It can handle dense shade but is happiest in open spaces between shrubs or under high-branched trees creating attractive carpets of misty colouring. Height 15-20cm.

Suggestion: Wonderful planted with dwarf Narcissus Minnow and Rapture; while Lilium Martagon could follow on later. Erythronium is a perfect partner; join it with light shade-tolerating wild Tulips tarda and turkestanica.