Lovely flowers with a long bloom time and easy care requirements make the Potentilla a favorite with many gardeners. This perennial is easy to find in beds and borders in USDA zones 2 through 8, and this charmer is also a wonderful option to feature in pots or containers. Potentillas are good for planters and can easily dazzle on a porch, patio, or deck.
Planting Potentilla in Pots
The best location for Potentilla plants in pots is in partial to full sun. This plant needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, but afternoon shade is preferred in very hot areas. Potted Potentilla plants should be placed outdoors in the spring when the temperature is consistently above 50 degrees, and there is no longer a risk of frost. A 12-inch pot can accommodate 1 to 2 plants. These plants are not fussy about the material of the planter, as long as the container has drainage.
Best Soil For Potentilla in Pots
Rich, fertile soil with a pH of 5 to 7 is best for Potentilla. These plants prefer soil with high organic content. Since potted plants are self-contained, it’s essential to use rich soil to support healthy growth.
Caring For Potentilla in Planters
A sunny spot and consistent water are generally the most important things when growing Potentilla in pots. The care requirements are similar for plants featured in beds or borders and containers. This plant has a mounded upright growth habit, so while it can live in a hanging basket, it is much easier to admire the blooms when the plant is grown in a container placed on a porch or patio table or even in a window box.
Watering Potentilla in Pots
Potentilla plants are drought tolerant and can handle dry conditions, but that does not mean they like to become too dehydrated. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Depending on the weather and climate, the potted plant may need water daily or every couple of days. Continue to water during a drought to ensure your Potentilla looks its best and blooms.
Fertilizing Potentilla in Pots
This perennial is not a heavy feeder, but a dose of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in the spring can get Potentilla off to a good start. Another application of fertilizer halfway through the growing season in mid-summer can ensure Potentilla plants continue to thrive. Since container-grown plants need to be watered more often, fertilizer can be rinsed away, so a second dose will ensure the plant is happy and healthy.
Winter Care For Potentilla in Pots
Summer is definitely the ideal time for Potentilla to shine. While these plants are cold hardy, they drop their flowers and leaves and are not attractive during the winter. Container-grown plants should be moved to a protected area, especially in colder regions. The container does not safeguard the roots to the extent that the ground does, so moving the potted plant to a garage or shed can offer protection from the elements and help ensure the plant will rebound in the spring.
Growing Potentilla Indoors
Some plants can easily transition from outdoors to indoors, but Potentilla is not one of these plants. Potted plants will benefit from a protected location during the winter, but these plants may not bloom and look as vibrant during the winter as they do during the warmer months.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 07-12-2022 |