Japanese Kerria Kerria japonica 'Simplex'

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Kerria japonica 'Simplex', commonly known as Japanese kerria or Easter rose, is an ornamental shrub recognized by its bright yellow flowers that resemble roses. The flowers, with a single layer of petals, bloom in spring and early summer, offering a cheerful display. Japanese kerria's stems are green and slender, which remain green throughout the year, adding interest even in winter landscapes. The foliage consists of serrated leaves that are light green and have a somewhat rough texture. The leaves provide a pleasant backdrop for the flowers and turn yellow-green in the fall before shedding. This deciduous shrub is popular for its ease of care and its ability to brighten up shady areas of the garden. The overall appearance of Japanese kerria is that of a graceful, fountain-like shape with arching branches. The plant's casual growth habit gives it a natural, unstructured look, which can be appealing in informal garden settings or when used as a part of mixed borders.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Rosaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Japanese Kerria, Easter Rose, Japanese Rose, Bachelor's Buttons, Jewel of the Mountain.

    • Common names

      Kerria japonica var. simplex, Rubus japonicus.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Kerria japonica 'Simplex', commonly known as Japanese kerria, is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or significant toxic effects in humans from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities may vary and ingesting plant parts is generally discouraged.

    • To pets

      Japanese kerria is not listed among the common toxic plants for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant. Nevertheless, ingestion of any plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to individual sensitivities or due to the ingesting of non-digestible matter.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Yellow

    • Height

      5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters)

    • Spread

      6 feet (1.8 meters)

    • Plant type

      Shrub

    • Hardiness zones

      4-9

    • Native area

      China, Japan

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Kerria japonica 'Simplex', commonly known as Japanese Kerria, has bright yellow single flowers that provide a vibrant display in spring, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
    • Shade Tolerance: This plant can flourish in partial shade, making it a suitable choice for gardens with light tree canopy or areas with indirect sunlight.
    • Drought Tolerance: Japanese Kerria exhibits some tolerance to drought conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
    • Low Maintenance: Known for being easy to care for, this plant does not require extensive maintenance, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
    • Erosion Control: The dense and fibrous root system of the Japanese Kerria helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
    • Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, providing a food source for local wildlife and aiding in the pollination of other plants.
    • Adaptability: Japanese Kerria can adapt to a range of soil types, from clay to loam, as long as the soil is well-drained.
    • Seasonal Interest: With its striking flowers in spring and bright green stems that remain ornamental in winter, Japanese Kerria offers year-round interest in the landscape.
    • Hardiness: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for growing in a variety of climates.
    • Propagation Ease: The plant can be easily propagated through division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their planting or share with others.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Kerria japonica 'Simplex', also known as Japanese rose, can be used in basketry. The stems can be woven into baskets and other crafts due to their pliability and strength.
    • Japanese rose's vibrant yellow flowers can be used in natural dyes to impart color to fabrics and yarns.
    • The flexible stems of Japanese rose may be used in garden structures like trellises or support for other plants, as they can be easily shaped and bent.
    • Dried arrangements often include Japanese rose branches for their ornamental value and long-lasting nature.
    • Culinary presentation sometimes utilizes the blooms of Japanese rose as edible decorations that can add a pop of color to dishes.
    • The decorative branches of Japanese rose can be incorporated into festive wreaths and holiday decor due to their structured yet flexible form.
    • Japanese rose can be used as living fences or hedges in landscaping, offering a natural barrier that blooms seasonally.
    • In artistic installations and floral design, the distinctive flowers of the Japanese rose can provide a strong visual element.
    • As a natural play area component in ecological or adventure playgrounds, its branches and shrubs can offer texture and sensory experiences.
    • Japanese rose may be used in photography, both as a background to create a lush, green environment and as a subject for botanical photography.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Kerria japonica, or Japanese kerria, is not commonly referenced in Feng Shui practices.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Japanese kerria is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Renewal: Kerria japonica 'Simplex' blooms in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of nature.
    • Optimism: With its bright yellow flowers, the Japanese rose represents hope and positivity, inspiring an optimistic outlook on life.
    • Longevity: The plant's ability to thrive and bloom every year is seen as a symbol of long life and endurance.
    • Simplicity: Known for its unadorned, single-layered flowers, it signifies simplicity and elegance in Japanese culture.
    • Friendship: The cheerful appearance of the Japanese rose makes it a symbol of friendship and joy shared between companions.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
500 - 2500 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-5 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    The Japanese rose, commonly known as Kerria japonica 'Simplex', thrives with consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, to help establish a strong root system. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. Conversely, reduce watering in cool, rainy seasons to prevent over-saturation of the soil. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering to ensure you are not overwatering.

  • sunLight

    The Japanese rose prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Planting in a spot that receives morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid deep shade locations, as insufficient light may result in fewer flowers and a leggier plant.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The Japanese rose does well in a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F to as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F, which promotes healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Ensure the plant is properly mulched to protect its roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning the Japanese rose is important to maintain plant health and to encourage vigorous blooming. Prune back the old wood immediately after flowering to promote new growth, as Kerria japonica blooms on new stems. Typically, pruning once a year is sufficient; however, if the plant becomes too dense, additional thinning may be needed. Late winter or early spring is the best time to do any additional shaping or size control pruning.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Japanese Rose thrives best in well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.

  • plantRepotting

    Japanese Rose is typically planted outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Japanese Rose prefers average to high humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions as long as it's not extremely dry.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Provide bright indirect light and keep soil moist for Japanese Rose.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in partial shade, mulch well, and keep soil moist for Japanese Rose.

    • Hardiness zone

      4-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life cycle of the Japanese rose (Kerria japonica 'Simplex') begins with seed germination in a suitable environment of moist soil and partial shade. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, developing into juvenile plants with simple, green leaves. As the plant matures, it develops into a deciduous shrub with arching branches, where it undergoes vegetative growth annually. Flowering occurs in spring, with plants producing single yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers may develop into small, dry fruits that contain seeds, completing the cycle if these seeds are dispersed and germinate. During winter, the plant enters dormancy, shedding leaves, and conserving energy for the next growth cycle.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The Japanese Rose 'Simplex', a valued ornamental shrub known for its yellow spring flowers, is most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. In early summer, when new growth is mature enough yet still quite pliable, is the optimal time for this type of propagation. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece roughly 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium such as a mixture of peat and perlite. The pot must be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and ultimately, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.