Spring Fumewort - Corydalis bulbosa - €5 for 5 bulbs 

Fumewart is a subtle but stunningly beautiful plant,  blooming from April to May fitting in well among other smaller bulbs and early bloomers. By early May, the plant dies back and disappears leaving space in the garden for the summer bloomers.  The plant spreads and forms a pretty purple carpet. Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade.  A good choice for borders, under planting ​or the woodland garden. A reliable and early  source of food for bees.
To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region:  Europe
  • native habitat: Woods, hedgerows, meadows
  • family: Papaveraceae

Predators and Pests

  • ​No serious problems experienced although can encounter downy mildew, rust, aphids, slugs and snails

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Light shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral, Alkaline 
  • Hardiness Zone: 6
  • Prefers well drained soil
  • Prefers moist soil


​Known Hazards

  • The plant is poisonous

Overview

  • Perennial growing to 0.2 m by 0.1 m at a medium rate.
  • It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender.
  • It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May - June The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.The plant is self-fertile.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi shade . It prefers moist and well drained soil.

Characteristics

  • form:Perennial
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: Tuberous, spreading
  • height x width (m): 0.2 x 0.1  

Products 

  • Leaves: Distinctively shaped, deeply divided leaves.
  • Flowers : Pink, purple, or white flower spikes in early spring forming dense clumps of tubular flowers that improve each year.
  • Medicinal: Fumewort has been used as a painkiller in Chinese medicine for over 1,000 year. The root or tuber is used internally as a sedative for insomnia and as a stimulant and painkiller, especially in painful menstruation or traumatic injury. Caution should be exercised, see known hazards.

Functions, behaviours

  • In time it expands and forms an ephemeral carpet of delicate colour in the spring. 
  • Plants seem to be be immune to the predations of rabbits 
  • A good source of early food for bees
  • A very ornamental and easily grown plant

Polyculture Partners - plants that should grow well with Corydalis bulbosa  

Picture

    If you would like more information about this polyculture click to here to move over to our blog article. 
    If you would like this plant send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
    Balkan Ecology Project