Corydalis flexuosa, commonly known as Blue Corydalis, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist, forested mountain slopes and stream banks in China. It typically grows to 30 cm (12 in) in height and is known for its striking bright blue tubular flowers with a white throat that bloom in spring. The foliage of Blue Corydalis is delicate and fern-like, adding a fine texture to garden settings. After its spring flowering period, the plant becomes summer dormant, with the foliage dying back until the next growing season. This characteristic allows it to escape the heat of summer.

Blue Corydalis is valued for its vibrant blue flowers which provide a splash of color in springtime gardens. It is often used in shaded rock gardens, woodland gardens, and as underplanting for larger shrubs. The plant is winter hardy in USDA zones 5–8 and is relatively low maintenance, requiring only consistent moisture during its growth period. The cultivars ’Blue Panda’ and ’Purple Leaf’ are particularly notable for their garden performance and have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While it thrives in part shade, Blue Corydalis can also tolerate full shade, making it versatile for various garden situations. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Gardeners should be aware that while not typically invasive, in some conditions it can self-seed and spread, so monitoring and managing its spread is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0