Kerria japonica, Japanese kerria
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Deciduous Shrubs

Kerria japonica

Japanese kerria

Rosaceae
China and Japan; mountain forests and stream banks

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Width6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Kerria japonica is Japanese kerria (Japanese rose), a spreading deciduous shrub growing 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall and 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m) wide with arching bright green stems. Golden-yellow single 5-petaled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) along the stems in April-May. Bright green ovate doubly serrated leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Turns yellow in fall. The green stems are visible year-round. In Rosaceae. Native to China and Japan. A monotypic genus. Suckers from the roots to form a colony — this suckering spread is the primary maintenance limitation. The flower color fades to pale yellow in full sun — performs in shade. Tolerates deep shade (blooms less). A sporadic secondary bloom sometimes occurs in late summer. The single-flowered species type is less commonly planted than the double cultivar 'Pleniflora'. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Native to China and Japan. Found in mountain forests and stream banks.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shade borders, woodland edges, as a bank cover, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m). Bright green winter stems. Shade-tolerant. Suckers to form a colony. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

How to Identify

Identified by golden-yellow single 5-petaled flowers along bright green arching stems on a spreading suckering shrub with doubly serrated ovate leaves. The single 5-petaled flowers and the bright green year-round stems are diagnostic. Distinguished from 'Pleniflora' (double pompom flowers). A monotypic genus in Rosaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread6' - 9'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
gold

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Mid spring (April-May). Golden-yellow single 5-petaled flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) along arching stems. 3 weeks of bloom. Sporadic secondary bloom in late summer. Bee-pollinated.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Golden-yellow, single, 5-petaled, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) diameter, along the arching green stems

Foliage Description

Bright green, ovate, doubly serrated, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long; turns yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full shade (2-6 hours — flower color fades in full sun). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Suckers from roots — remove unwanted suckers to control spread. Prune after flowering (June). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (June) — blooms on old wood. Remove the oldest stems at the base every 2-3 years (renewal pruning). Remove unwanted root suckers to control colony spread. The arching habit with bright green stems is the natural form.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic