Species Japanese kerria
green foliage adorned with clusters of yellow flowers on slender brown stems

Japanese kerria

Kerria japonica 'Picta'

Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica 'Picta') is a deciduous shrub featuring a vibrant display of yellow, crinkled blooms in late spring and summer. It has lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive striped stems, all of which add to its visual appeal. A great choice for borders and foundation plantings, it usually grows up to 4-5 feet in height and width. Its showy blooms give way to spherical, green seed capsules add winter interest to the landscape. An easy-to-grow plant, Japanese kerria prefers full sun and moderate soil moisture. It's drought-tolerant but can also tolerate occasional flooding.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese Kerria should be watered about once per week, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Depending on the soil type in the area and the season, more water may be necessary during hot or dry periods. It is important to water deeply and apply enough water so that it reaches the roots. If the soil is excessively dry, water the plant until it is saturated. Over-watering should be avoided, as Japanese kerria is sensitive to too much water. During the spring and summer months, extra water can be beneficial for healthy growth.

sunlight

Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica 'Picta') requires 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day. It prefers to be in bright, but slightly shaded environments, with morning sun being the most beneficial. It should be protected from strong afternoon sunlight, which could scorch the delicate leaves.

pruning

Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica 'Picta') is best pruned in spring, once the last frost has passed. It prefers light pruning to help promote flowering, but can tolerate more extensive pruning if necessary. It is also beneficial to pruning off any dead, damaged, or diseased branches throughout the year. To encourage flowering, light pruning of branches can be done after the flowering period ends. This should be done by removing 1-third of the older, woody stems of the shrub to the ground. Severe pruning of more than 1-third of the stems is not recommended and can harm the plant health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Kerria japonica 'Picta' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map