• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Stressed-Japanese-Kerria-THUMB.jpg

Stressed Japanese Kerria

I planted Japanese kerria shrubs several years ago. They were doing fine until last summer. The leaves were rusty brown and this spring the stems were dead. A few new shoots did sprout this season. We did not water the plants last year but did start watering our landscape this summer. Are the plants dead?

Drought, like we experienced last summer and this year can cause yellowing, browning and even death of leaves and stems. Water plants thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Stressed plants, like your kerria, are also more subject to winter injury. Remember the below zero temperatures and lack of snow in January 2009? That resulted in lots of dieback and death on a variety of plants. Remove any dead growth and wait for the new growth to fill in. Proper watering during extended dry periods, time and patience on your part should result in some nice looking shrubs next season.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW