Kerria japonica – Japanese Rose -

 

Kerria japonica – Japanese Rose (پیلا گل داؤدی / جاپانی گلاب) – Bright yellow pom-pom flowers, – Leafy arching stems with graceful form, – A cheerful spring-flowering shrub

Hilly areas are conducive, but one can grow it in Lahore with care as given below.

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🌿 Botanical Name: Kerria japonica (KAIR-ee-uh juh-PON-ih-kuh)
🌿 Family: Rosaceae (roh-ZAY-see-ee)
🧊 Hardiness Zone (USA): 4–9
📏 Height: 4 to 6 feet; spreads equally wide through suckers

🍃 Foliage: Deciduous shrub with bright green, lance-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn; stems remain green even in winter, adding year-round visual interest

🌸 Flowering Period (Lahore/Punjab):
March to early May – vibrant golden-yellow, double or single rosette-shaped flowers bloom profusely on arching stems

🌼 Companion Plants:

• Spiraea japonica – pink clusters balance the yellow tones

• Lavandula angustifolia – contrast with cool purple and aromatic foliage

• Salvia farinacea – upright blue flower spikes complement its arching form

🏡 Garden Usage: Best used as a flowering hedge, border shrub, or informal screen; excellent in cottage-style, woodland, or shade gardens

🍈 Fruition: Produces small, dry, and inconspicuous fruits; not ornamental or edible

🌱 Soil:
Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loamy soil; tolerates clay with compost improvement

⚖️ pH Value: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

💧 Water: Moderate water needs; regular deep watering in spring and summer helps flowering and prevents stress

🌡️ Temperature:
This plant is native to cooler, temperate hill areas like Nathiagali and Murree, where it blooms with ease.
🌞 In Lahore, it can grow successfully with care:

• Provide partial shade, especially from harsh afternoon sun

• Ensure cooler root zones with mulching

• Maintain consistent moisture

• Protect from dry winds and summer heat with shelter or companion planting

☀️ Location Preference (sun or shade):
Best in partial shade in Lahore; full sun tolerated only if temperatures stay mild

🌾 Propagation: Spreads naturally by root suckers. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings in spring.
Seed propagation is rare; if attempted, seeds should be sown fresh in moist, cool conditions. Germination can be slow and unpredictable.

🐛 Pesticides:
Very low-maintenance; occasional aphids or mites can be treated with Neem oil or water spray

🌻 Fertilizers:
Use balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once in early spring; apply compost mulch annually 

🦋 Attractiveness to Wildlife:
Attracts early spring bees; non-toxic and safe for pets and children

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💡 Tip:
For Lahore gardeners: plant in dappled light, mulch well, and water consistently in summer. In return, Kerria japonica rewards with a burst of gold each spring.

🌼 May you enjoy planting, watching, and delighting in this Japanese Rose (پیلا گل داؤدی / جاپانی گلاب) as it graces your garden with cheerful blooms and timeless charm.