Kerria japonica Pleniflora

Kerria japonica Pleniflora

Why Buy Me?

• Large golden yellow flowers
• Vigorous grower
• Likes sun or part shade

Growing Conditions

Light:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun, but the plant tolerates and even thrives in dappled or light shade, making it ideal for woodland edges.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types—loamy, sandy, or clay—but performs best in moderately fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered or moderately exposed sites. Hardy and wind-tolerant once established, though protection from harsh winter winds is ideal.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires consistent moisture during the growing season but can tolerate brief dry spells once established.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or early autumn, giving roots time to establish in mild, moist conditions.

Spacing:
Allow 1.2–1.5 metres (4–5 feet) between plants for natural spreading and to avoid overcrowding.

Watering:
Water regularly during the first year. Once established, it needs only occasional watering during dry weather.

Fertilization:
Not demanding. Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer in early spring if needed to support growth and flowering.

Mulching:
Mulch in spring with compost, bark, or well-rotted manure to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning:
Prune immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage fresh growth and better blooms the next year. Avoid pruning in winter, as it flowers on previous year’s wood.

Propagation:
Easily propagated by softwood cuttings in summer or by division or suckers in early spring or autumn.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Masses of bright yellow, double pom-pom-like flowers appear from April to May, often covering the entire plant.

Summer:
Foliage is light green and finely toothed, creating a soft-textured, arching mound. Occasional repeat blooms may occur.

Autumn:
Foliage may turn a soft yellow before falling. Stems remain green, adding structural interest.

Winter:
Deciduous. Leafless stems remain a vivid green, offering subtle colour and texture in winter borders.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attractive to bees and early pollinators. Dense growth provides cover for small birds and insects.

Garden Use:
Ideal for shrub borders, cottage gardens, woodland edges, informal hedging, or naturalistic plantings. Excellent for shaded or north-facing areas where other flowering shrubs may struggle.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with spring-flowering bulbs (daffodils, tulips), shade-tolerant perennials like Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Hosta, or other deciduous shrubs like Philadelphus and Spiraea.

Transform your home and garden with Kerria japonica Pleniflora —a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.