Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Corydalis ochroleuca
White Corydalis
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Height
- 12–18 in
- Width
- 12–18 in
- Flower color
- Creamy white with pale yellow tips
- Foliage color
- Soft blue-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring through frost
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Average, prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil; tolerant of some dryness once established
- Maintenance
- Low; self-seeds readily, remove unwanted seedlings to control spread
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5–9
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Corydalis ochroleuca forms airy clumps of soft blue-green, finely divided foliage topped by slender racemes of creamy ivory flowers in late spring, often continuing through summer. Native to Europe, each tubular bloom shows a gentle spur and faint yellow shading near the throat, bringing brightness to shaded corners and stone walls.
Graceful self-seeding and a prolonged flowering display provide continuity in woodland borders, shaded paths, and sheltered masonry plantings. Fine-textured foliage remains present through the growing season, supporting successive blooms that sustain soft color and movement even during warmer months into early autumn weather in favorable climates as well.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers
Design tip
The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
