Overview
Potentilla 'Red Giant' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla 'Red Giant' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, low hedging and rock gardens.
About
Potentilla 'Red Giant' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the rose family, valued for its sustained summer flowering from June to September. The plant is deciduous and performs best in full sun on well-drained soils. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH levels and suits exposed, south- or west-facing positions. Its habit and hardiness make it appropriate for front-of-border and rock-garden planting.
About the genus
Potentilla is a genus containing over 500 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Potentilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla
In the garden
Potentilla 'Red Giant' is a cultivated selection within the genus Potentilla (family Rosaceae), grown for summer blooms that run from June to September. It is a deciduous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial intended for planted groups rather than as a single specimen. The cultivar tolerates exposure and sun and is listed for south- and west-facing sites. Plant in full sun on a free-draining soil; the cultivar accepts chalk, clay, loam or sand and will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Keep soil reasonably well drained rather than persistently wet to prevent root issues. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H6, which means it is very hardy and will survive typical UK winters once established. Use Potentilla 'Red Giant' at the front of borders, as low hedging where a low, clump-forming outline is required, or in rock gardens where exposure and drainage are factors. Sit it where summer flowers will be visible from paths or terraces: the plant's season of interest runs reliably through June to September and its clump-forming habit holds the edge of the border through the year.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Potentilla 'Red Giant' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Low hedging, Rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Potentilla 'Red Giant'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla 'Red Giant'?
Potentilla 'Red Giant' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Potentilla 'Red Giant' need?
Potentilla 'Red Giant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Potentilla 'Red Giant' hardy in the UK?
Potentilla 'Red Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Potentilla 'Red Giant'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentilla 'Flamenco'cinquefoil 'Flamenco'
- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla Megalantha CinquefoilCinquefoil
- Potentilla argyrophylla
- Potentilla 'Congo'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla 'Etna'cinquefoil 'Etna'
- Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla 'Gloire de Nancy'Cinquefoil