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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Corydalis ochroleuca

White Corydalis

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Average, prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil; tolerant of some dryness once established

Bloom time

Late spring through frost

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)