Items 1 to 15 of 15 total
Items 1 to 15 of 15 total
Potentilla
Uses:
- Borders
- Container
- Edging
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Long Blooming or Rebloomer
- Drought Tolerant
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 2-9
- What is My Zone?
Potentilla shrubs are hardy, deciduous plants known for their long blooming season, featuring bright yellow, white, pink, or orange flowers from late spring to fall. They are ideal for use in borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover, where their low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance make them easy to care for.
About Potentilla
Genus
Species
Family
Potentilla
Multiple species under the Potentilla genus (e.g., Potentilla fruticosa, Potentilla erecta)
Rosaceae
Common Names:
Five-finger, Cinquefoil
Native To:
Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe, Asia, and North America.
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3–7
Flower Color:
Yellow, white, pink, red, or orange
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to early fall (depending on species)
Growth Habit:
Low-growing ground cover (in some species), compact shrub (in others), typically spreading or mounding
Attracts:
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects
Tolerates:
Drought, poor soils, and some species tolerate light shade
Resists:
Deer, rabbits, and most pests
How To Use Potentilla In The Garden
Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, demonstrates exceptional cold hardiness and prolonged blooming. It consistently produces flowers from spring until the first frost, offering a reliable display of color. Its drought tolerance makes it a resilient choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet attractive plants.
The compact, mounded growth habit of Potentilla makes it suitable for borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point in smaller spaces. The semi-double flowers, available in white, pink, or yellow, complement various landscape themes. Additionally, Potentilla adapts well to container gardening, bringing consistent blooms to patios or balconies.
Potentilla Care
Potentilla thrives in full to partial sunlight; insufficient light can hinder blooming and lead to leggy growth. Newly planted Potentillas require consistent watering to establish a robust root system. Established plants exhibit drought tolerance but benefit from watering during prolonged dry spells. While native plants typically don't require fertilization, applying a balanced fertilizer or annual organic mulch can promote healthy growth.
Pruning in spring allows for shaping and rejuvenation, encouraging a fuller, bushier appearance as new growth emerges. A summer trim can help maintain the desired shape and prolong blooming. In containers, ensure pots have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging and water when the soil surface feels dry. For winter care, protect plants from potential snow damage by covering them if located near structures where snow might accumulate.
Learn More About Potentilla
Potentilla Companion Plants
Choose partners that thrive in at least six hours of sun, well-draining soil, and dry spells—conditions that keep Potentilla flowering for months. Evergreen boxwood supplies a reliable green backdrop, and spirea follows with dense clusters that extend the shrub‑border color sequence. Salvia offers drought‑tough purple spikes beloved by bees, while lantana blankets the foreground with multicolored blooms until frost.
