Kerria, Japanese Kerria
kerria japonica
Also known as: ["Japanese rose","lemonade flower"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with bright yellow, rose-like flowers that bloom in spring and sometimes again in late summer. It has green stems that remain attractive in winter.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Kerria |
| Botanical Name: | Kerria japonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden border, woodland edge, or as a specimen plant
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leafy growth at the expense of flowers; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; division in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; early spring or fall for division.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F/21–24°C); indirect light for cuttings.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining soil for division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; division establishes in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak stems; best done after flowering.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins or fall after flowering.
Pot Size
For container-grown, use a pot one size larger; for division, replant at the same depth.
Method
Gently lift the plant; divide with clean tools; replant in well-draining soil with added compost.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers; divide clumps every 3–5 years to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Prepare new pot/area; water before lifting; divide carefully; replant at correct depth; water thoroughly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed flowering or bud drop in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; buds may fail to open; stems can become brittle in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched foliage; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicKerria japonica is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicKerria japonica is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicKerria japonica is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Kerria japonica bloom all year?
A: No, it primarily blooms in spring, with possible reblooming in late summer.
Q: Is Kerria japonica deer resistant?
A: It is moderately deer resistant, but deer may occasionally browse on it.
Q: How much sunlight does Kerria japonica need?
A: It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
