CORYDALIS. Apart from the blue flowered C. flexuosa, finally in production here, these allies of the bleeding hearts (Dicentra) are barely known in California. They are clumping perennials with usually fleshy roots and stalked, dissected, fernlike leaves. They bear spurred, tubular flowers, spreading vertically at the tips, in elongated clusters. Often they are quite colorful, adding cheery contrast in otherwise drab shady nooks. Light to medium shade, well drained (preferably acid) soils, moderate to regular watering. The following are hardy to 0oF or less.
sempervirens. Rock harlequin. A biennial, but free enough with viable seed to become a minor nuisance (however, it is easily rogued out). The plants are erect and reach 2’ or more in height. The leaves are bright blue- to grey green in color. The flowers are small and nicely bicolored, pink with yellow tips.