About

A bushy deciduous shrub with fresh green, pinnate leaves and white flowers, each petal tinged yellow towards the base, from late spring onwards.

About the genus

Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow well in most soils but flowers fade more rapidly in full sun and last longer in moister soils
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus