Potentilla fruticosa

RHS Plant Profile
shrubby cinquefoil

Other common names

golden hardhack, hardhack, prairie weed, widdy

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A densely-branched deciduous shub slowly reaching 1.5m. It is grown for its 5-petalled yellow flowers produced over many months. Extraordinarily resilient

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moisture-retentive soil in good light

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus