Bird-in-a-bush 'Purple Bird'

'Purple Bird' is a stunning cultivar of the tuberous Corydalis solida, offering some of the deepest purple flowers available in this genus. The blooms are a rich, velvety violet-purple and appear in dense upright clusters during the UK spring (March and April). The plant features the characteristic delicate, fern-like, glaucous green foliage which reaches a height of roughly 15-20cm. It is a perfect choice for naturalising in woodland gardens or under trees, where it can form subtle drifts of colour before the trees fully leaf out. As an ephemeral, it will die back completely by mid-summer. It is very hardy (H5) and thrives in moist but well-drained soil rich in leaf mould. In Britain, it prefers partial shade but can tolerate sun if the soil stays sufficiently moist. The small, round tubers are best planted in early autumn. It is a delightful plant for providing early season colour and interest in a shaded garden.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.