ShrubsPotentilla fruticosa
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Shrubby cinquefoil is a tireless bloomer producing an endless stream of buttercup-yellow flowers from June to September. This compact shrub is hardy to the coldest zones and makes virtually no demands on the soil. The fine, compound leaflets give the plant an airy appearance. Ideal for low hedges and borders.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 60–100 cm
- Spread
- 60–100 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 2–7
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Shrubby cinquefoil tolerates drought, wind, and poor soil without issue. Feeding is rarely needed. Water only during extreme drought. The plant is virtually disease-free.
Pruning tips
Prune in early spring (March) by shortening the shrub by a third. Remove dead wood and crossing branches. Every few years, you can prune harder for rejuvenation. Avoid autumn pruning.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
ShrubsSpiraea japonica
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.