Japanese kerria Kerria japonica
Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to China, Korea and Japan. It grows 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) tall and 1.5–2.4 m (4.9–7.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Japanese kerria in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Japanese kerria at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.4 m (4.9–7.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Korea and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Japanese kerria toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese kerria
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Questions about Japanese kerria
- How far apart should I plant Japanese kerria?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.4 m (4.9–7.9 ft).
- Does Japanese kerria need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese kerria need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese kerria?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Japanese kerria flower?
- From about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese kerria poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Japanese kerria?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Spreads by suckers; green stems give winter colour; the double form is more common than the single.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata