How to grow kerria

La Kerry It is represented by a single species: Kerria japonica with simple, yellow-golden flowers. It is a shrub native to China and Japan (for this reason it is also known as the Japanese rose), which takes its name from the gardener who first introduced it to Europe in the 18th century: the Scotsman William Kerr. It is widely used for hedges, and to decorate terraces, it goes well with spirit.

Exposure and climate

It also tolerates low temperatures. Loves exposures in full light or partial shade, but too much sun can damage the flowers. This compact, deciduous shrub grows up to 2,5 meters tall and 1,5 meters wide. It has sparsely branched, slender, arching stems, which grow rapidly and vigorously and produce abundant suckers. The drooping branches are covered with a shiny greenish bark. The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, wrinkled, and doubly toothed.

Land and cultivation care

It grows well in all types of soil. Plot, except for calcareous or humid ones; it should be fertilized twice a year, in March and June. The older stems are also pruned in June. Kerria can also be grown in pot, but in this case the container must have a diameter of at least 50 centimetres.

Watering

It requires regular watering, abundant during particularly dry periods.

Sowing and flowering

Planting takes place from early autumn to late winter. Multiplication occurs by cutting, to be carried out in spring-summer. Flowering occurs from April to May, but sometimes occurs again in autumn.

Problems and remedies

Kerria can be attacked by various species of fungi, which cause the branches to dry out: in this case, fungicides are used. Another problem is some species of caterpillars which can damage the root system: to be fought with specific products.

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