Kerria japonica
( KEHR - ee - uh ja - PAWN - ick - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationKerria japonica, commonly called Japanese Kerria or Japanese Rose, is a deciduous flowering shrub species that prefers full sun in cooler climates and partial shade elsewhere. It takes moderate to regular water, and has an open, graceful habit. This species is native to Japan and China, and gets to about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Leaves are generally bright green, and flowers are small and yellow, mimicking tiny yellow roses. Main bloom is in spring, and sporadic blooms continue through early summertime.
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Kerria japonica Varietals
The genus Kerria was named for Scottish gardener William Kerr, includes only one species and is a member of the plant family Rosaceae. The best growing zones for Kerria japonica are 2-23. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Caring for and pruning Kerria japonica shrubs
Plant Kerria japonica shrubs in spring or fall in a spot that receives part shade to full sun (flowering will be better in partial shade). These plants aren't super picky about soil type, but perform best in well-draining fertile soil with a pH of between 4.5 and 8.5. Mulch around the base of the plant. Keep soil moist, especially during the active growing seasons in spring and summer. Once established, these shrubs are drought tolerant but do best with regular waterings. After flowering fades in spring or early summertime, prune to remove dead flower heads and remove dead or damaged wood. These plants can also be hard-pruned for rejuvenation. While these shrubs are growing, pinch branch tips infrequently to encourage a more bushy habit. Provide some cold protection, especially in cooler areas of this shrub's zone range, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in springtime to support new growth.
Propagation
Kerria japonica can be propagated by using cuttings. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Kerria japonica by Cutting
Propagating Kerria japonica by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In late spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Problems and Pests
Kerria japonica shrubs are resistant to pests and disease.
Gallery
Videos
All about a great variety of Kerria japonica, 'Pleniflora'.
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How to grow and care for Kerria japonica.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 392, Kerria japonica
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