Corydalis

I don't know if there is another plant in the garden that is so understated and yet so showy at the same time.  Although petite and dainty-looking, Corydalis offers a brilliant display of color.

Finely cut, lobed leaves form a dense, tidy mound of subtle blue-green, above which are held brightly colored flowers in clusters reminiscent of exploding fireworks.

 

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Corydalis lutea features bright yellow blooms, whereas Corydalis sempervirens displays purpleish-pink flowers.
And one of the best blues a garden (or gardener) could ask for is provided by Corydalis flexuosa 'China Blue' and 'Blue Panda.'

 

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