Kerria

A very easy, familiar plant, often seen in cottage gardens, Kerria japonica Pleniflora is a vigorous, suckering, medium-sized, deciduous shrub, throwing up a mass of elegant green stems, very attractive in winter. The oval leaves are light green, with prominent veins and toothed edges. In mid-spring the bush is smothered with egg-yolk yellow, fully double flowers, like tiny yellow roses, lovely with white and blue spring bulbs. The only care necessary is to prune the oldest shoots to the ground each year, as Kerria flowers only on new wood. Kerria can be invasive in rich soil, but is a great choice for rather poor soil in a partially shaded spot, which it will light up with its green winter stems, light green leaves and rich yellow flowers. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil, including poor soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, winter and spring in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 10’ (3m) Spread: 10’ (3m)