Japanese kerria
Kerria japonica · Rosaceae
📷 Jeffdelonge · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around japanese kerria and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Kerria japonica
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Type
- Deciduous shrub
- Mature height
- 1.5 to 2 m
- Spread
- 1 to 1.5 m
- Flowering
- March to May
- Flowers
- Pink or double yellow flowers (depending on variety)
- Hardiness
- Down to −15 °C
- Origin
- Japan and China
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Japanese Kerria has an annoying habit of suckering aggressively: keep it in check with a root barrier (30-40 cm deep) or accept it will colonize the area.
The common mistake
Planting it carelessly at borders; it will invade your garden and your neighbor's in 4-5 years.
The pro's trick
Prune preferably right after flowering (May): cut stems back to 2/3 their height, it branches beautifully and stays elegant.
Care
Exposure
Japanese Kerria prefers a sunny to partially shaded exposure. In direct sun, it flowers more abundantly and displays better compactness. In very hot regions, afternoon shade extends the flowering period.
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist during the first year after planting. Once established, Japanese Kerria tolerates moderate dry periods well. Water generously during prolonged drought, especially during spring growth.
Soil
This plant adapts to most well-drained soils, from neutral to slightly acidic. Enrich the soil at planting with compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid overly compact or waterlogged soils that promote rot.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering (end of May) by removing dead or poorly oriented branches. Shorten stems slightly to encourage branching. Remove one-third of the old branches each year to rejuvenate the shrub and stimulate flowering.
Fertilizing
An application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soil, supplement with organic shrub fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would reduce flowering.
Pests and diseases
Japanese Kerria is rarely susceptible to diseases. Occasionally watch for aphids in spring and powdery mildew in cases of stagnant humidity. Good air circulation and watering at the base limit these problems.
Did you know?
Japanese Kerria owes its name to the characteristic shape of its fruits, which resemble a « cap » (from the Greek « kerion »). Introduced to Europe in the 18th century by botanists and merchants, it became a classic in English and French gardens. The 'Pleniflora' variety with double golden-yellow flowers is the oldest cultivated form and once adorned Japanese imperial gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.