Kerria japonica
Botanical Name
Kerria japonica
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 9
Height
3 to 6 feet
Width
6 to 9 feet
Flowers
Spring: bright yellow
Light
Part to full shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting and Care
Transplant balled and burlapped or from a container. Best grown in part shade to shade as flowers fade rapidly in full sun. Site in a non-exposed location with good drainage, especially important for winter hardiness. Excess fertilization results in abundant, leggy growth with little flowering.
Problems
None serious - occasional blights, canker, leaf spot and root rot
Varieties to Consider
'Pleniflora' - double, golden-yellow flowers
'Shannon' - larger blooms than species, 6' tall
Did you know?
Kerria displays attractive green stems in winter.