Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'
shrub RHS Award

Double Japanese Kerria

Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

China, Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Kerria japonica is a tough, adaptable, suckering deciduous shrub from China and Japan. It is noted for its early spring flowers and slender, bright green stems that provide excellent winter interest. 'Pleniflora' is a vigorous, classic cultivar that produces a profusion of golden-yellow, fully double flowers that resemble small pom-poms. The flowers are larger and more numerous than the single-flowered species.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA cherished old-fashioned shrub, 'Pleniflora' offers a spectacular burst of cheerful, golden-yellow flowers in the spring. Its arching, fountain-like habit and bright green stems provide architectural interest even in winter, making it a valuable plant for four-season appeal.
Practical UsesIts tolerance for shade makes it an excellent choice for difficult, low-light areas where other flowering shrubs might fail. It is tough, low-maintenance, and its suckering nature allows it to form a dense, informal screen or fill a large area over time.
Ecological BenefitsWhile the double flowers of 'Pleniflora' offer little pollen for bees, the dense thickets created by the plant provide excellent shelter and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location in part shade or shade.
  2. Plant in average, moist, well-drained soil.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
  4. Set the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
  5. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well.
  6. Allow room for its suckering habit to form a thicket.

Pro Tip

Prune out a few of the oldest, thickest canes down to the ground each year after flowering to encourage new, vigorous green stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide some shade; full sun can fade the flowers quickly.
  • Prune annually right after the spring bloom.
  • Allow it to sucker and form a natural-looking colony.
  • Water during dry spells to keep it looking its best.

Don't

  • Do not prune in late summer, fall, or winter, as you will remove the flower buds.
  • Avoid planting in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
  • Don't hesitate to remove suckers from unwanted areas.
  • Avoid planting in hot, dry, full-sun locations.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brightening shady corners with spring colorInformal hedge or screenWoodland garden accent with winter interest

Companion Plants

Helleborus orientalis Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' Fothergilla gardenii Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Double Japanese Kerria questions

What zones can Double Japanese Kerria grow in?

Double Japanese Kerria is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Double Japanese Kerria deer resistant?

Yes — Double Japanese Kerria is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Double Japanese Kerria bloom?

Double Japanese Kerria typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Double Japanese Kerria need full sun?

Double Japanese Kerria does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Double Japanese Kerria with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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