Corydalis solida 'George P. Baker' (Fumewort)

Plant Profile

Corydalis solida 'George P. Baker' is a select cultivar of the spring-blooming fumewort. It forms a clump of delicate, fern-like, blue-green foliage. In early spring, it bears dense spikes of tubular, brick-red to reddish-purple flowers with a contrasting white throat. The plant goes summer dormant after flowering. A choice woodland perennial.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Papaveraceae (pa-pav-er-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Corydalis (kor-ID-ah-liss)
• Species: solida (SOL-id-uh)
• Cultivar: 'George P. Baker'
• Synonyms: Corydalis solida subsp. solida, Corydalis × transsylvanica

Growing Conditions

Partial to full shade, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Goes dormant in summer; mark location to avoid accidental digging.

Landscape Uses

Excellent for woodland gardens, under deciduous trees, and with spring bulbs. Early nectar source.

Maintenance

Leave foliage to die back naturally to feed tubers. Divide in fall when dormant. Self-seeds gently.