Species Japanese kerria
golden-yellow flowers blooming on arching green branches with yellow stamens serrated green leaves

Japanese kerria

Kerria japonica 'Simplex'

Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica 'Simplex') is a shrub that grows up to 2m high and 2m wide, with smooth, roundish leaves. It produces bright green blooms in spring and throughout the summer. Each flower is a single, five-petaled star shape and the bright yellow centers create a striking contrast. In the fall, foliage turns yellow, adding a golden hue to your yard. Japanese kerria is also used for hedges and can help to shape topiary. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is a low-maintenance shrub, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Bright yellow Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese kerria should be watered regularly, at least once every 10 days. In the summer months, the kerria should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. During the hot and dry season, water the kerria more frequently, making sure the soil does not dry out. Water should be applied evenly to the root zone of the plant. In winter, watering should be done sparingly, making sure the plant does not become stressed due to drought. Too much water can cause root rot, so make sure not to overwater. Additionally, water early in the day so the foliage can dry quickly, as wet leaves can promote fungal infection.

sunlight

Japanese kerria needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal growth and bloom. The sunniest hours of the day during the summer months are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although the kerria can still thrive in shady areas as long as it gets the 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In the winter months, the best hours for direct sunlight for the kerria are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, which is when the sun is strongest. During the shady months of late autumn and early spring, the kerria can still bloom if it gets around 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.

pruning

Japanese kerria should be pruned every spring before new growth begins. Pruning should remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any branches that are growing too close together. Aim to cut back about a third of the oldest branches each year, making sure to cut just above a bud or side shoot. Aim to cut branches back to about 25-30 cm from the base.

Season

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

Kerria japonica 'Simplex' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map