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| Kerria japonica
Japanese kerriaCulture: Well-drained, not too fertile loamy soils are best for Kerria japonica. It is relatively easy to grow, but should be sited in a partially shaded locale to stop the flowers from fading. There are usually masses of dead stems entangled within the plant after winter, so heavy pruning is often required in highly visible sites. I remember pruning a single plant at the Morton Arboretum for 1/2 hour because it looked so awful. Canker, twig blight, leaf spots, and root rot could be problematic, but are uncommon. Usage: Because of the high pruning requirements of this species, it is difficult to find a spot for it in the garden. In informal situations it could be used as a backdrop for perennials, along banks, or en masse. Other possibilities include the edges of highways, railways, etc, so long as the plant is not located in a spot where it can actually be approached and studied. It is certainly not for the formal garden. |
