Kerria japonica (L.) DC.

Shrubs

A deciduous, suckering shrub, to around 2m high, with arching, bright green stems and oval-shaped, serrated green leaves up to 10cm long. Golden yellow flowers are produced in mid to late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Suckering, Bushy
Genus: Kerria are deciduous shrubs withgreen young shoots bearing simple, toothed leaves and rose-like, solitary 5-petalled flowers in mid-spring
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Good for woodland settings but may form large thickets and has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or by division in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 3. Remove suckers if necessary in autumn or winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)