Plant Encylopedia: Potentilla

Must Know Plant Care Tips: Purchase potentilla from your local nursery and plant in the spring to early fall. It requires well-drained soil, preferably amended with quality compost. Space your plants 3 to 6 feet apart. When newly planted, water and mulch your plants well. Use fertilizer in spring for the best flowering. Prune dead or diseased branches in the spring, and periodically over the summer for shaping and better plant health.

Plant Problem Solver: Potentilla is great for slopes and erosion control. It’s also drought-tolerant for areas that receive less water. If you want some interest in your garden over the winter, potentilla can provide that. If the shrub needs rejuvenation, it can be cut back severely to encourage new, healthy growth. Insecticidal soap will help prevent spider mites, which potentilla can be prone to especially in hot and dry conditions.

Pretty Pairings: Potentilla looks great under windows or close to a home’s foundation. Mix it with other shrubs or perennial flowers. Try planting yellow-flowering varieties next to blue-flowered plants such as baptisms, catmint, or salvia. It’s also ideal for making a low hedge with several plants.