Kerria japonica

The Kerria Japonica, known as the Japanese Rose, is an attractive deciduous bush for its excellent robustness and radiant yellow flowering in spring. Its bushy silhouette, abundant vegetation, and moderate growth allow for numerous uses in the garden, including as a free hedge, even in slightly shaded and relatively dry areas in summer.

Kerria japonica is a bush of the Rosaceae family native to mountainous regions of China, South Korea, and Japan. In nature, this species forms dense and bushy masses that spread through slightly suckering stumps. It thrives in a partially shaded environment under the cover of other vegetation, sheltered from the scorching sun. It is a vigorous bush with an upright habit, composed of arched and slender stems, slightly wider than tall, reaching an average height of 2m. It thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, even somewhat chalky. Due to its tendency to become messy, significant pruning is often necessary to maintain its beautiful appearance. Flowering occurs in April-May, earlier or later, depending on the climate. The flowers are solitary or grouped, cup-shaped with a 3 to 5 cm diameter, and have five yellow petals resembling wild roses. Occasionally, a sparse second flowering occurs in October. The vibrant green leaves are alternate and dentate, and the stems that bear them remain green throughout the year, even in winter. The plant produces fruit in the form of achenes, which have no ornamental interest.

Japanese Rose is particularly suitable for slightly shaded areas in the garden, as its flowers tend to fade in full sun. It can be used in shrub borders and as a free hedge. This bush also forms a beautiful espalier along medium-height walls with winter jasmine. In a hedge or border, it can be paired with red, orange, or white Japanese quinces, 'Gold Rausch' Forsythia, Neillia affinis, or the ornamental blackberry 'Olympic Double'.