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Description
Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora, also known as the Double-Flowered Kerria, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Japan and China and is widely grown for its beautiful and showy yellow double blooms. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and wide and has an arching growth habit. Its dark green leaves are oval-shaped and toothed, and its stems are green and woody. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer and can continue to bloom throughout the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Kerria |
Appearance
Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora is a beautiful and showy shrub that can add color and texture to any garden. Its double yellow blooms are its most distinctive feature, and they can grow up to two inches in diameter. The plant has an arching growth habit and can grow up to six feet tall and wide. Its dark green leaves are oval-shaped and toothed, and they can grow up to four inches long. The plant’s stems are green and woody, and they can become reddish-brown with age.
Care Guide
Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for it:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. It can tolerate some dryness but does not like to be waterlogged.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and blooms.- Soil: The plant prefers fertile and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer blooms.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some common garden pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Scale insects: These small insects can attach themselves to the plant and suck its sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. It can be controlled with fungicides or by removing infected leaves.
Habitat
Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora is native to Japan and China and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and along stream banks. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora?A: The plant prefers regular watering but does not like to be waterlogged. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry.Q: Does Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora require pruning?A: The plant can benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Prune it after it has finished blooming.Q: Can Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora grow in containers?A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough room to grow and is provided with regular watering and fertilization.Q: Does Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora attract bees?A: Yes, the plant’s flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Kerria Japonica F. Pleniflora:- Kerria Japonica ‘Golden Guinea’: This cultivar has single yellow blooms and can grow up to six feet tall and wide.- Kerria Japonica ‘Picta’: This cultivar has variegated leaves and can grow up to six feet tall and wide.- Spiraea Japonica: This shrub is also in the Rosaceae family and has pink or white blooms.
References
– “Kerria.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=267121&isprofile=0&.- “Kerria Japonica ‘Pleniflora’.” The Spruce, 29 Oct. 2021, www.thespruce.com/double-flowered-kerria-plant-profile-3269663.
