How to Grow Potentilla Shrubs

Potentilla shrubs, sometimes called cinquefoil, are an ideal choice for landscaping. They can be planted in mass or as a specimen. These deciduous perennial shrubs are hardy, compact and almost completely disease free. They require little pruning to keep their shape and thrive in almost any soil condition. Potentilla shrubs bloom in many colors, including yellow, white, cream, orange and red. Most shrubs flower from June to October once established. Another benefit: Deer and rabbits tend to leave these shrubs alone. Don’t delay, plant a potentilla today!

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the variety or varieties you wish to plant. Consider the color of the flowers as well as the area you want to plant. Do you want a mass of shrubs in one area that will bloom in a single color? Or will you grow one potentilla shrub as a specimen?
- 2
  Plant your potentillas. The best time to plant potentilla shrubs is in April or May when they are dormant. Though an established potentilla shrub can survive in almost any type of soil and pH level, planting them in fertile soil, rich in organic material, will ensure good growth. Add composted bark or peat to the area around the roots to boost nutrient value. If the potentillas will be planted in containers, watch for leaf wilt as the plant matures. This indicates they are getting root bound and need to be replanted in bigger containers.
- 3
  Water shrubs as needed. Potentilla shrubs can withstand drought or bog conditions, making them easy to grow. If they look droopy, give them a little water. They should perk right up.
- 4
  Fertilize occasionally. Some gardeners never fertilize their potentillas, but these shrubs perform better when fertilized once or twice a year. Fertilizing also helps keep the branches from becoming hard and woody—symptoms of infertile soil.
- 5
  Prune branches to keep your potentillas uniform in shape and to get rid of dead patches among the branches. Clusters of branches of many varieties of potentillas will die back after several years. Unfortunately, if you prune when dead patches appear, you’ll have a thin looking or irregular shaped plant for the rest of the growing season. You can avoid dead patches during growing season by pruning older wood during the winter or dormant months. These older branches and stems should be pruned close to the base of the shrub. If your potentilla is very old and woody, or has a lot of dead patches, you can prune the entire shrub close to the ground. Most of the time, the shrub will come back better than ever in the spring. However, if the shrub doesn’t recover, you will need to replace it.

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