Kerria japonica

Autumn · Planting

Divide when too large

The plant can be divided if it becomes too large, or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in a pot, or planted in the ground.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water after 2 weeks of no rain

Established plants in the ground enjoy dry or well drained soil, but don't survive long periods without water. When there's been no rain for a fortnight, do a deep water. Repeat after 1-2 weeks when the soil has dried out. Check plants in pots more often.

Spring · Planting

Prune lightly after flowering

After the plant has flowered, shorten all the stems that have flowered by cutting the shoots back to lower healthy buds.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.