Japanese Kerria Kerria japonica 'Albescens'
ABOUT
Kerria japonica 'Albescens', commonly known as white Kerria or white Japanese rose, is a deciduous shrub with a distinct and ornamental appearance. Its branches are slender and arching, creating an elegant, mounded form that is visually appealing in a garden setting. The leaves of white Kerria are toothed and have a bright green color, offering a fresh, vibrant backdrop for its blooms. This plant is most notable for its beautiful flowers, which are a rare white variation of the more common yellow flowers found in the species. The white flowers are simple yet charming, with a light, creamy hue and a golden center that adds a touch of warmth to the blooms. They are typically single, with five rounded petals, creating a star-like shape that is delicate and eye-catching. Flowering in spring, the white Kerria lights up the garden with its blossoms, which contrast nicely against the green foliage. After the blooming season, the plant continues to provide interest with its bright green leaves that may turn to attractive shades of yellow in the fall. Overall, white Kerria is prized for its distinctive coloring, graceful branches, and cheerful, star-like flowers. It adds a splash of brightness to shaded areas and is a popular choice for adding variety and visual interest to mixed borders, woodland gardens, or as a stand-alone specimen. Its uniqueness lies in its flower color, making it a valued addition to any plant collection that focuses on floral diversity and garden aesthetics.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Kerria, Easter Rose, Japanese Rose, Yellow Rose of Texas, Bachelor's Button, Jew's Mallow, Japanese Globeflower.
Common names
Kerria japonica 'Albescens'
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese rose (Kerria japonica 'Albescens') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting this plant. Consequently, there should be no significant concerns regarding the toxicity of the Japanese rose to humans when handling or coming into contact with this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is prudent to be cautious when handling an unfamiliar plant.
To pets
The Japanese rose (Kerria japonica 'Albescens') is generally not considered toxic to pets. There is little to no evidence in common veterinary literature to suggest that this plant poses a significant risk of poisoning to animals such as cats and dogs. Therefore, ingestion of the Japanese rose by pets is unlikely to result in toxic symptoms or severe consequences. However, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or obstruction, and pets with specific sensitivities may exhibit mild reactions, so it is always best to keep an eye on your pet's interactions with plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Interest: The Kerria japonica 'Albescens', commonly known as the Japanese Rose, adds visual interest to gardens with its white flowers and attractive green foliage.
- Seasonal Color: It produces blooms mainly in spring, offering a fresh burst of color early in the season.
- Low Maintenance: The Japanese Rose is relatively easy to care for, with minimal requirements for pruning and upkeep.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partially shaded areas where other flowering plants might struggle.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the Japanese Rose can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Disease Resistance: It is generally resistant to many common plant diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Tolerance to Various Soil Types: The Japanese Rose can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and banks, reducing soil erosion.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Adaptability: Kerria japonica 'Albescens' can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, making it a versatile choice for landscapers and gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kerria japonica 'Albescens' can be used as a natural dye, with various parts of the plant providing shades of yellow to fabrics.
- The branches of the Kerria are quite pliable and have historically been used in basket weaving and crafting.
- The plant's dense foliage can serve as a privacy screen or green backdrop in garden designs.
- The fibrous stems of the Kerria may be used for creating small garden structures like trellises when dried and tied together.
- The bright green stems can provide a stark contrast in winter gardens when many other plants have died back.
- Kerria twigs may be used in floral arrangements, especially in winter, as the green stems retain their color even after cutting.
- The shrub's natural resistance to pests makes it ideal for creating a low-maintenance hedge in temperate climates.
- The plant can be used as part of erosion control strategies on slopes due to its spreading root system.
- Kerria japonica 'Albescens' is used in garden therapy programs for its cheerful flowers and ease of care, providing a sensory experience of texture and color.
- In crafting, the petals of the Kerria can be pressed and used in paper making or for adding natural embellishments to handmade cards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Kerria japonica 'Albescens', commonly known as the "Japanese Kerria," often symbolizes renewal because it blooms in the spring, representing new beginnings and the rejuvenation of nature.
- Longevity: Japanese Kerria is a resilient shrub that can live for many years, symbolizing long life and endurance.
- Dark yellow flowers: While the 'Albescens' typically has lighter-colored blooms, Kerria japonica flowers are usually a bright yellow, which can symbolize joy, happiness, and a positive future.
WaterThe Japanese Rose 'Albescens' should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy, which typically means about 1 inch of water per week whether from rainfall or irrigation. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering may need to be more frequent, especially in dry periods, possibly increasing to twice a week. However, during the dormant season in fall and winter, you should reduce watering. It's important to adjust your watering schedule based on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering again to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe Japanese Rose 'Albescens' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal bloom production. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat. Avoid deep shade, as it may result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureThe Japanese Rose 'Albescens' is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures but thrives in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer damage or die back at these extreme lows. The ideal temperature conditions allow the plant to produce its characteristic flowers and maintain healthy growth throughout the growing season.
PruningPruning the Japanese Rose 'Albescens' is necessary to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth and flowering. The best time to prune is immediately after the plant has finished blooming in the spring. Since it blooms on old wood, avoid winter or early spring pruning, which can remove flower buds. Prune sparingly, focusing on thinning out crowded branches and shaping the plant as desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Rose (Kerria japonica 'Albescens') thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, peat moss, and a small amount of perlite or sand to facilitate drainage.
RepottingJapanese Rose is not commonly grown in containers and thus typically does not require repotting. When planted in a garden setting, it should be divided and replanted if it becomes overgrown, roughly every few years.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Rose prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. It does not require any special humidity measures when grown outdoors in its ideal environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit room, avoid direct strong light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Kerria japonica 'Albescens', commonly known as the Japanese Kerria, begins with the germination of seeds, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a network of roots and shoots. After reaching maturity, the Japanese Kerria undergoes vegetative growth, characterized by its green, arching stems and toothed leaves. The plant enters its reproductive stage in spring with the blooming of its distinctive white flowers, which are hermaphroditic and capable of self-pollination or attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the plant sets fruit in the form of achenes, which, when mature, are dispersed into the surrounding environment to begin a new generation. Throughout its life, the plant can also spread vegetatively through its rhizomes, thereby expanding its presence in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Kerria japonica 'Albescens', commonly known as Japanese Rose, is by softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous and the stems are neither too mature nor too green. To propagate, one should select a healthy shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture and kept humid and warm, ensuring that it does not dry out. Roots typically form in a few weeks, after which the plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting it into the garden.
