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.
lutea. A profuse perennial, making many slender shoots 6-18" high from a compact base. The leaves are soft and delicate in appearance, deep green above and blue green beneath. From mid spring to fall, it is almost constantly in bloom, bearing dense clusters of small, bright yellow flowers.