Plant Encylopedia: Potentilla

December 28, 2017 by Kasi Smith Leave a Comment

Plant Care Basics

Contents

1 Grow Zone Recommendation: Potentilla is a versatile, flowering shrub that grows best in USDA plant zones 2 through 7.

2 Sunlight Needs: Potentilla does well in full sunlight conditions.

3 Watering Needs: Low to moderate watering is appropriate. Potentilla is drought-tolerant.

4 Average Size: Average full-grown potentilla grows up to 3 feet wide and 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on variety and conditions.

5 Foliage Color: Foliage is blue-green or gold, and it’s small flowers may be yellow, orange, red, white, or pink. It is a summer bloomer.

5.1 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.

5.2 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.

5.3 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.

Grow Zone Recommendation: Potentilla is a versatile, flowering shrub that grows best in USDA plant zones 2 through 7.

Sunlight Needs: Potentilla does well in full sunlight conditions.

Watering Needs: Low to moderate watering is appropriate. Potentilla is drought-tolerant.

Average Size: Average full-grown potentilla grows up to 3 feet wide and 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on variety and conditions.

Foliage Color: Foliage is blue-green or gold, and it’s small flowers may be yellow, orange, red, white, or pink. It is a summer bloomer.

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.

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