About
This compact deciduous shrub to 75cm tall, with small leaves composed of five narrow leaflets, and red flowers 2.5cm wide, pale yellow on the reverse, in summer and early autumn.
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
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, 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