Kerria

The genus Kerria (Kerria) consists of a single species, Kerria japonica (Kerria japonica, or Corchorus japonicus), abundantly forming shoots growing from the roots of the plant, with a dense mass of thin, upward-looking branches, first bright green, then grayish, sometimes woody. It is a deciduous plant. The leaves are regular simple oval-lanceolate with a biconvex edge, short-stemmed. Single five-petaled flowers of orange-yellow color bloom in April-May at the ends of branches of the previous year. The fruit is a brownish or dark small achene (a dry fruit with one seed). Variety 'Terry', or 'Flora Captivity', is much more common than the botanical source species. This variety is characterized by double and large flowers; the plant stretches up to 3.5 m in height. Variety 'Variegated', or' Painted', smaller in size; leaves with a creamy white edge, simple flowers.

The genus Kerria (Kerria) consists of a single species, Kerria japonica (Kerria japonica, or Corchorus japonicus), abundantly forming shoots growing from the roots of the plant, with a dense mass of thin, upward-looking branches, first bright green, then grayish, sometimes woody. It is a deciduous plant. The leaves are regular simple oval-lanceolate with a biconvex edge, short-stemmed. Single five-petaled flowers of orange-yellow color bloom in April-May at the ends of branches of the previous year. The fruit is a brownish or dark small achene (a dry fruit with one seed). Variety 'Terry', or 'Flora Captivity', is much more common than the botanical source species. This variety is characterized by double and large flowers; the plant stretches up to 3.5 m in height. Variety 'Variegated', or' Painted', smaller in size; leaves with a creamy white edge, simple flowers.

Cultivation

Japanese kerria is planted both singly and in small groups in parks and gardens, mainly urban, as these plants are very resistant to the adverse environmental conditions of megacities. Less often they are cultivated in containers on balconies and terraces. Planting is carried out from October to March, in cold climates it is better in autumn, in mild climates-in spring. This plant is not too demanding of the soil: both loose, clay, and calcareous soils are suitable. At the end of flowering, the branches on which the flowers were cut off. New, newly formed ones will be covered with wonderful flowers next season.

Japanese kerria is planted both singly and in small groups in parks and gardens, mainly urban, as these plants are very resistant to the adverse environmental conditions of megacities. Less often they are cultivated in containers on balconies and terraces. Planting is carried out from October to March, in cold climates it is better in autumn, in mild climates-in spring. This plant is not too demanding of the soil: both loose, clay, and calcareous soils are suitable.

At the end of flowering, the branches on which the flowers were cut off. New, newly formed ones will be covered with wonderful flowers next season.

Location

A place in the open sun or partial shade is required.

Temperature

This generally unpretentious plant is afraid of prolonged frosts. Therefore, it is placed in a place closed from the winds, for example, near a wall illuminated by the sun.

Watering

It is necessary for young plants immediately after planting in the ground, during long dry periods and potted specimens.

Transplant

Plants are grown in pots only in the initial stage: the first 3-4 years. Transplanted into a new container in autumn or late winter (in very cold climates), using a substrate of fertile land (2/3) and a peat-sand mixture (1/3).

Plants are grown in pots only in the initial stage: the first 3-4 years. Transplanted into a new container in autumn or late winter (in very cold climates), using a substrate of fertile land (2/3) and a peat-sand mixture (1/3).

Reproduction

Cuttings are most often used. In August-September, cuttings about 15 cm long are taken from the side shoots and planted for root formation in a mixture of sand and peat in equal parts. Next spring, cuttings with a formed root system are planted one at a time in pots. Finally, they can be planted during the next autumn-winter period. You can propagate kerria in the fall by dividing the bush and overgrowth.

Diseases

Drying of branches can be caused by fungi of the genera Netria, Phomopsis and Coryneum. The affected parts should be removed. The appearance of necrotic spots on the leaves often causes lesions of the fungus Coccomyces kerriae. Treat the plant with a suitable fungicide.

Acquisition

Japanese curry, especially the 'Terry' variety, is quite easy to find in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. The best time to purchase it is from autumn to spring, at which time the crop can be immediately planted directly in the ground. Choose strong, well-formed plants, even if they are not too small in size; you just need to check that they are healthy.