Potentilla
potentilla
This Genus of shrubs is one of the best plant choices for the Northern garden. There are few shrubs as tolerant of our cold climates as the Potentilla. That coupled with the fact that they prefer somewhat drier conditions and they bloom nearly continuously throughout the summer and until a hard frost, there are few reasons NOT to like them. Some pruning should be done to rejuvenate older plants but other than that there is really no care required for these tough as nails plants. See our selection of choices below.
Abbotswood Potentilla
Height: 2 - 3 ft
Spread: 2 - 3 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Insignificant
Zone: 2 - 6
Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood'
An excellent potentilla from Holland with few insect or disease problems. Large, pure white flowers bloom from early spring to late fall.
Uses:
Foundation plant, low hedge or border, Accent plant,
Dakota Sunspot® Potentilla
Potentilla fruticosa 'Fargo'
An excellent introduction from North Dakota State University. Compact variety with deep golden, 1" flowers produced profusely all season. Retains a nice tight habit even with age.
Uses:
Foundation plant, low hedge or border, Accent plant,
Height: 2 - 3 ft
Spread: 3 - 4 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Insignificant
Zone: 2 - 6
McKay's White Potentilla
Height: 2 - 2.5 ft
Spread: 2 - 3 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Insignificant
Zone: 2 - 6
Potentilla fruticosa 'McKay's White'
An introduction from McKay Nursery. A sport of 'Katherine Dykes' with creamy white flowers that hold up well. A nice alternate to 'Abbotswood'.
Uses:
Foundation plant, low hedge or border, Accent plant
Pink Beauty Potentilla
Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty'
This floriferous introduction from the University of Manitoba has clear pink flowers and bright green foliage that is bushy and full. The flower color normally holds well, but will fade when nights are extremely hot.
Uses:
Foundation plant, low hedge or border, Accent plant
Height: 2 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Insignificant
Zone: 2 - 6
Mango Tango™ Potentilla
Height: 2 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Insignificant
Zone: 2 - 6
Potentilla fruticosa 'UMan'
This exciting potentilla from the University of Manitoba has striking bicolor flowers that display shades of orange and red radiating from the center of the flower petal over a base color of deep yellow. The red of the flowers intensifies during cooler weather; conversely, hot weather may signal a softening of the color. Mango Tango™ forms a tidy, compact mound and is at its best in full sun. (CPBR #0755, C®)
Uses:
Foundation plant, low hedge or border, Accent plant
Potentilla respond well to pruning at almost any time of year but the optimal pruning time for most woody plants is in early spring before new growth emerges.