Pleniflora Bachelor's Buttons

Pleniflora Bachelor's Buttons (Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora') is a vigorous deciduous shrub that grows 2.4m to 3m high and wide. In spring, double yellow pompom flowers that look like tiny roses cover the stems among small apple green leaves. It is very cold hardy and unfussy about soil, and a cheerful sight in southern gardens when winter ends.

Why you'll love it

• Spring colour. The yellow pompom flowers are bright against fresh green leaves and open just as the garden wakes up.
• Very frost hardy. It shrugs off hard winters, so it suits cold gardens where many shrubs struggle.
• Any soil. It grows in almost any soil type, which suits new gardens and heavy ground.
• Easy to renew. Cutting back a third of the stems each year keeps it flowering freely and stops it going woody.
• Woodland style. It handles part shade, so it fits under trees and along the edge of shady borders.

Where it works best

Spring borders. Plant 1.5m apart in a herbaceous or mixed border, with perennials and bulbs in front to fill the base while the shrub is bare in winter.

Woodland gardens. Under deciduous trees it gets spring light and summer shade, which is a good fit for woodland style planting.

Cottage plantings. The lax, leggy habit looks natural in relaxed, flowery gardens rather than clipped ones.

Choose the site with care. It can sucker, so site it where new shoots at the edge can be mown or dug out.

Growing Pleniflora Bachelor's Buttons in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is at its best in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens with a proper winter. Hot, humid gardens are not where it is happiest.

Soil. Almost any soil suits it. Mulch to hold moisture and keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while the young plant establishes. Apply a slow release fertiliser after pruning each year.

Pruning. Prune as soon as the flowers finish, cutting flowered stems back to a low side shoot. On mature plants, take about a third of the stems down to ground level each year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pleniflora Bachelor's Buttons as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A deciduous plant can look bare in winter, which is normal. Plants travel upright and settle quickly, so unpack them on arrival and give them a drink. Expect a small, leafy plant that grows away strongly in spring.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Deciduous shrubs
• Frost hardy plants for cold gardens
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Plants for cool climates

Common questions

Does it sucker?

Yes, it can. Site it where new shoots at the edges can be pulled or mown, and remove unwanted suckers early.

How hard should I prune it?

Firmly, and every year. Cut flowered stems back to a low side shoot after flowering, and take about a third of the stems on older plants to the ground.

Will it flower in shade?

It copes with part shade, but sun gives the best flower. In deep shade expect fewer blooms.