Potentilla
Potentilla fruticosa
A compact, long-flowering deciduous shrub producing buttercup-like blooms from June right through to October. Colours range from white and yellow to pink and orange-red. Native to parts of northern England and Ireland, it is fully hardy and thrives in exposed, open positions. One of the longest-flowering shrubs available for UK gardens, ideal for borders, low hedging and rockeries.
How to grow potentilla
Plant in autumn or spring in full sun for the best flowering display. Potentilla thrives in any well-drained soil, including poor and alkaline ground. It is extremely tough, tolerating exposed coastal and upland positions, hard frosts and strong winds. Water during the first growing season while establishing. Once settled, it is very drought-tolerant. Mulch lightly in spring. Feed is rarely needed on most soils. For low hedging, plant 45cm apart. Pink and red-flowered cultivars such as 'Red Ace' may fade in intense sun — position these where they receive some afternoon shade. Yellow and white varieties such as 'Goldfinger' and 'Abbotswood' hold their colour well in full sun.
Pruning
Prune in early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth by about a third. Remove any dead, thin or twiggy stems. Every three to four years, cut the whole plant back harder to about 15cm from the ground to rejuvenate it. Potentilla flowers on the current season's growth, so spring pruning does not reduce flowering.
Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
- Hardwood cuttings in late autumn
Common problems
- Flower colour fading in hot sun on red/pink varieties
- Spider mites in hot dry conditions
- Occasionally affected by powdery mildew