Kerria japonica 'Kin Kan'

Kin Kan Japanese kerria

Just like the 'regular' Kerria species and cultivar, this selection boasts bright yellow blooms in May and then sporadically reblooms until frost (in fact, my Mom once made a nice September arrangement once by floating these flowers in a bowl full of water alongside sprays of beautyberry fruit).

The difference is subtle during summer months, but in the winter this plant is a stunner. Instead of the regular bright green stems common to kerria, 'Kin Kan' has stems that fade to a pale yellow with conspicuous green stripes. It makes quite a display against a dark background like Thuja plicata 'Can-can'.

I've been looking for this plant ever since I first saw it at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in early 2003. I'm so happy to be able to share it with all of you again!

One final note: I've read that this cultivar can revert, so if you notice any stems that stay pure green, snip them off.

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(c) 2007 Christopher P. Lindsey