Kerria

Family: Rosaceae

There is only one species in this genus of spring-flowering shrubs from China and Japan. With delightful, yellow flowers, they are perfect for brightening a shady corner of the garden and for cutting.

Species

K. japonica is a multi-stemmed shrub to 2.5 m (8 ft), with single, round, golden flow­ers clustered along the stems, and bright green, ovate, finely serrated leaves. Often grown is cul­tivar 'Pleniflora', with bright yellow, double flowers.

Cultivation

These hardy shrubs do well in a moist, well-drained soil in either sun or partial shade, but require hard pruning after flowering to avoid straggliness. Cut back shoots that have flowered to young shoots lower down. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or from hardwood cuttings in fall or winter, rooting them in a garden frame or greenhouse. Divide established clumps in fall or winter.

Climate

Zone 4.