Japanese Kerria
Kerria japonica ヤマブキRosaceae
Native Container Wildlife value: low Maintenance: low
Description
Kerria japonica is a deciduous, suckering shrub native to streamside
and forest-edge habitats across most of Japan. Bright green winter
stems hold visual interest in the bare season, and the species erupts
in clear yellow five-petalled flowers in mid-spring. Notably tolerant
of pollution, partial shade, and root competition — it earns its place
in urban Tokyo plantings where many natives sulk. The double-flowered
cultivar 'Pleniflora' is showier and sterile but loses the wildlife
value of the single form. Renew old canes from the base to keep the
silhouette open.
Growing requirements
| Light | part shade |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Soil | average garden loam; tolerates clay; pH-flexible |
| Hardiness | tokyo lowland |
| Container | Yes · Min container size: 15L |
| Maintenance | low |
| Common issues | kerria twig blight (rare, prune out affected stems) |
Practical info
| Native | Yes |
|---|---|
| Edible | No |
| Wildlife value | low |
| Attracts |
|
Seasonal calendar
Tokyo-lowland calendar. Shifts a week or two with elevation or cultivar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planting | ||||||||||||
| Flowering | ||||||||||||
| Fruiting |
- Feb Late winter, while still dormant.
Usage
Coppice-style mixed border, slope stabilisation, larger container.
For tight gardens choose the single-flowered species form to limit
suckering.