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.
Uses & Benefits:
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
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in part shade or shade.
- Plant in average, moist, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Set the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well.
- 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
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
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
Explore the genus
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.