Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora', double kerria
1 / 5
Deciduous Shrubs

Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'

double kerria

Rosaceae
Cultivar of garden origin; the species {K. japonica} is native to China and Japan

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m)
Width6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m)
Maturity4 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

Overview

Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' is double kerria (double Japanese rose), a spreading deciduous shrub growing 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) tall and 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m) wide with arching bright green stems. Golden-yellow double pompom-like flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) with numerous narrow petals along the arching stems in April-May. The most commonly planted form of K. japonica. Taller and more vigorous than the single-flowered species type (5-8 feet / 1.5-2.4 m vs. 3-6 feet / 0.9-1.8 m). Medium green ovate to lanceolate doubly serrated leaves 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm). Turns yellow in fall. Double flowers are sterile (no fruit). In Rosaceae. Suckers vigorously from the roots to form a colony — this aggressive suckering is the primary maintenance limitation. The flower color fades to pale yellow in full sun. Tolerates deep shade (blooms less). The bright green stems are visible year-round. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Cultivar of garden origin. The species K. japonica is native to China and Japan.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shade borders, woodland edges, and as a bank cover where suckering spread is tolerable, spaced 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m). Double golden-yellow spring bloom. Green winter stems. Aggressive suckering — not for confined spaces. Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

How to Identify

Identified by golden-yellow double pompom-like flowers with numerous narrow petals along bright green arching stems. The double pompom flower form distinguishes 'Pleniflora' from the single 5-petaled species type. A monotypic genus in Rosaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 8'
Width/Spread6' - 9'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Mid spring (April-May). Golden-yellow double pompom-like flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) along arching stems. 3 weeks of bloom. Sterile (double flowers produce no fruit). Sporadic secondary bloom in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Golden-yellow, double pompom-like, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) diameter, with numerous narrow petals; along arching green stems

Foliage Description

Medium green, alternate, ovate to lanceolate, doubly serrated, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long; turns yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 1-6 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 Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatclay
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full shade (1-6 hours — flower color fades in full sun). Well-drained soil pH 5.0-7.0 — tolerates clay. Suckers vigorously — remove unwanted suckers regularly to control spread. Prune after flowering (May-June). Non-toxic. Zones 4-9.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (May-June) — blooms on old wood. Remove the oldest stems at the base every 2-3 years. Remove unwanted root suckers regularly — 'Pleniflora' suckers more vigorously than the single species type. The arching habit with green stems is natural.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic