Japanese Kerria

Also called Japanese rose, this easy-to-grow shrub brings bright yellow spring flowers to the garden even when planted in full shade.

kerria_japanese_alamy

Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 9.

These beauties bear five-petaled, 1-1/4 to 1-3/4-wide flowers that are primarily produced for two or three weeks in spring, but flowers also appear sporadically through the summer months. Plants leaf out in fairly early spring and the toothed leaves remain on the plants late into the fall. Generally, the leaves do not develop any appreciable autumn color and are still green when they drop off. Unlike most shrubs, Japanese kerria bears bright yellow-green to green stems that add winter interest to the landscape. Established plants form broad clumps—and spread slowly by suckers—that are three to six feet tall and six to nine feet wide.

Cultivation: Ideally, plant Japanese kerria in partial shade to shade. Although plants will grow in full sun, their flowers fade more quickly in exposed locations. Give plants average well-drained soil. Prune as necessary immediately after flowering. Remove dead branches regularly by cutting the out at the base of the plant.

How to use it: Add Japanese kerria to shady shrub borders or include them in beds of shade-loving perennials such as hostas.

Selected Cultivars:

  • 'Albiflora'. Bears pale yellow flowers.
  • 'Golden Guinea'. Heavy blooming cultivar with large flowers, up to two inches or more across.
  • 'Pleniflora'. Also sold as 'Flora Pleno', plants bear double golden-yellow flowers that are nearly round and one to two inches across.
  • 'Picta'. Grown for its green leaves edged in white. Plants are heavy bloomers and produce single yellow flowers.

     

  • Next Up

    How to Choose, Plant and Grow Flowering Shrubs

    Flowering shrubs, like azalaea, hydrangea, camellia and more, provide multi-season color and interest. Learn how to add them to your garden or landscape with this expert advice.

    How to Grow Forsythia Bush

    Welcome spring with the sunny blooms of forsythia.

    Growing Spirea

    Looking for an easy-to-grow shrub? Try spirea. This versatile beauty blends good looks with a tough-as-nails personality.

    How to Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea

    With their big flowers, brilliant fall foliage and shaggy winter bark, oakleaf hydrangeas are year-round showstoppers for gardens and containers.

    Tips for Growing and Caring for Camellia Plants

    Discover the beauty of camellias in your garden. HGTV has tips on caring for camellia plants and growing their stunning blooms.

    How to Grow and Care for Rhododendron

    Learn how to plant and care for rhododendron, the gorgeous cousin of azaleas.

    How to Grow and Care for Red Twig Dogwood

    Grow this easy-to-care-for shrub for both a winter accent and holiday décor.

    How to Grow Mountain Laurel

    This showy, shade-loving shrub lights up the spring landscape with trusses of gorgeous flowers.

    Growing Sweet Peas Flowers

    Lots of blooms, lots of color and great fragrance--sweet peas have everything you could want in a flower.

    How to Grow and Care for Primrose Flowers

    Primrose comes from the Latin word for first, and these easy-to-grow beauties are among the first flowers to bloom in spring.

    Go Shopping

    Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

    On TV

    Follow Us Everywhere

    Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.