Tell me what I am talking about

What I am looking for is an old shrub, as used in landscaping years ago. I am 59, that old. It is willowy and does well in some shade. Not evergreen, I think. It has a yellow flower, real yellow, about the size of a quarter, like a dandilion. I found it last year but forgot where I wrote it down. The plant itself grows to maybe 6-7 ft tall and is not erect, say like a lilac. I have lost sleep trying to remember the name. I am too tired and too old to go on like this much longer. HELP!

You didn't say where this shrub would have been used/planted in landscaping years ago...Washington state? If so, I'm probably off base.

If your memory is referring to the eastern part of the US, then maybe you are thinking of Kerria japonica (Japanese kerria), which has several named varieties with single or double flowers (and even some white forms or variegated types).

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/157/index.html

I think you mean Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/54605/index.html which I grew up with too. The single bloom form is nice as well as the variegated form.

You're never too old to enjoy gardening.

This message was edited Mar 23, 2007 6:07 PM

Yep, grew up here in Washington. Yes, I think Kerria is it!! will follow the link to make sure. thank you. I am back. Yes, that is it! thank you thank you.

A great plant. It can grow in sun or shade. Good winter interest with those arching canes. I think a mass of them looks best.

Scott

This plant and flowering quince were on the side of the house I grew up in. House built in 1901.

One of the best flowering shrubs for deep shade. And if you place it where it catches some winter rays, the green stems GLOW!

One of mine:

http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/60724/

I could probably dig up some picture too. Let me see what I've got.

Here is the single bloom, which I like better.

Here is the double, called "Flora Plena" I think, which I still like fine.

It is either Cox Arboretum in Dayton or another public garden there that has a berm of Kerria planted in heavy shade along their entry driveway. Powerfully evocative, even in the winter. Multitudes of bright green stems all arching over. I noticed a new variety on the market last year that offered bright yellow, or maybe charteuse, stems. I cannot remember the name. Might be worth tracking down.

Scott

This message was edited Mar 24, 2007 1:47 PM

Kevin's right: this is a plant you only have to buy one of.

I had this shurb at my old house and had a hard time controlling it. It kept spreading by underground runners. I had the one with the double flowers. It did bloom off and on all summer though which is nice. You just have to keep after it with the pruners or it can get away from you. I won't plant it again since I only want things that are less work.

Single Kerria is vastly nicer than the double ones!

Resin

I have no memory of this being much bigger then a 4 ft area for all the days I lived there. It was on the shady side of the house, tho.
We had single, too.

This message was edited Mar 25, 2007 9:48 AM