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James Burghardt
Rosaceae
Kerria japonica 'Picta'
Japanese Kerria
Japanese kerria is a suckering deciduous shrub from eastern Asia. The cultivar 'Picta' (also known as 'Variegata') is an elegant dwarf selection with prettily variegated leaves. Smaller than those of other forms of Japnese kerria, the oval, toothed leaves are edged and streaked with creamy white. They beautifully complement the yellow, rose-like blooms in spring. The twiggy, arching, stems are green year-round. Plants often rebloom sparsely in summer. The leaves turn pale yellow in fall.
This long-lived, hardy, slow-growing shrub prefers full to partial sun and thrives in fertile to average, well-drained soil. Once established, plants will tolerate moderate periods of drought. Stems with plain leaves sometimes appear; remove these promptly lest they crowd out variegated growth. This plant is prettiest if given space to arch and spread.
Plant in a shrub border, along a foundation, or enjoy it as a specimen. Winter gardens will benefit from the subdued winter color of its unseasonably green stems. These can also be cut for cold-season flower arrangements.
9 - 1
5 - 9
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
Spring, Late Spring
China, Japan
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Arching/Fountain-shaped
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow
White, Green, Gray Green
Variegated
Green, Sandy Brown
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Smooth
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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