When should I cut back my Kerria japonica (Jew's Mallow)?
By Stephsmith
United Kingdom 
I have a large (in my small garden) Kerria which is approximately 10 feet long, 5 feet deep and about 8 feet tall. I would like to get rid of mostr of it, leave some, but cut it down to at least half it's height. I don't want to shock it to death, so whenj would be the best time to do it, and any tips on the best way to go about it? My plan is just to hack it to bits!
On plant
Kerria japonica
23 Jul, 2009
Featured on:
spring colour plants
Answers
that is one of the tasks i still have to tackle too. i do love it but it is getting too large now. so hacking and then shredding is the plan.
23 Jul, 2009
I am doing exactly that today in an elderly neighbour's garden. It's a very tough plant and although after flowering is the ideal time , now will be fine too.
24 Jul, 2009
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It was mentioned in a book about container plants that I read. »
that'd be my plan too - its not keeping it that's the problem, it's getting rid of it. In theory it should be cut after its flowered to maintain flowers for the following year, but I cut it all the time and still get flowers. It might be better, though, to dig out at the roots all you don't want, and just leave a clump that you do - which might mean you don't then have to hack it down so much, just a bit.
23 Jul, 2009