About
Potentilla fruticosa 'Primrose Beauty', the shrubby cinquefoil 'Primrose Beauty', is a small, bushy, deciduous shrub with silky, grey-green, pinnate leaves. Flowers to 3.5 cm wide in primrose-yellow are borne profusely from late spring to autumn. A rewarding and reliable shrubby cinquefoil for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Potentilla, the cinquefoils, can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or annuals with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, five-petalled flowers over a long period. Among the most reliable and floriferous of all garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-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, Cottage and informal garden
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