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28/04/2008


my photo

KERRIA

This double-flowered variety of Kerria (Japonica Pleniflora) is also known as Bachelor's Buttons, Jew's Mallow and Japanese Rose. A really pretty shrub to have around the garden at this time of year. I really like the combination of the 'custard powder' yellow of the blooms against the lime green of the leaves.

It will grow just about anywhere and if left to its own devices can reach up to 6ft tall. It will also spread by suckers which grow from its creeping underground root system. A plant which is best kept in check by pruning out all the old flowering stems.

William Kerr a protégé of Sir Joseph Banks, the famous 18th-century naturalist and plant collector, bought this particular variety back from China in 1804. By 1838 it was so common it was to be found in the gardens of labourers cottages!

This post is for my blogpal Daffy from Approaching 40, she has a delightful specimen in her garden too!

7 comments:

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I once took a small cutting of Kerria Japonica and from that small plant I grew several and shared them out amongst the family.. Such a pretty plant..
I don't have any in my present garden.. think it is time to get one!

Please can I request a panoramic photo of your garden Louise? With your love and knowledge of plants you must have a wonderful patch!

Michelexx

Anonymous said...

It's a lovely plant with such pretty flowers. xx

Anonymous said...

Hello, thank you for the mention. :o) I really do feel like a gardener now! Being mentioned here!
Your plant seems a little more livelier than mine.. It seems more energentic somehow. Might be my camera.
It is pretty though, Flighty is right. :o)

Anonymous said...

Hi, you've reminded me about Kerria...very pretty. And I've checked the white primulas in the garden - you're right, the petals are untouched!
Margaret and Noreen

Anonymous said...

I have never seen this flower but it is very pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Sara from farmingfriends

Heather said...

A few years ago my folks sold the home I grew up in. I made sure that I took a lot of plants from their property so that I could have all of those things growing in my own yard; one of the things that I took was a Kerria and another was a gorgeous Japanese Quince. Your blooms are ahead of mine, Louise.

Suburbia said...

I have one of those! And I had forgotton the name, thanks for reminding me. Mine is nearly over but has been in bloom for weeks, and yes the suckers are on the march as we speak!