Potentilla

New Zealand’s Best Potentilla Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Potentilla plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Potentilla, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Potentilla

1. Where is the best place to plant potentilla?

Potentilla plants are versatile and can thrive in a variety of locations, but they generally prefer sunny or partially shaded sites with well-drained soil. Here are some specific recommendations for where to plant potentilla:

• Flower beds and borders: Potentilla plants make excellent additions to flower beds and borders, adding a burst of color and texture throughout the growing season. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, and consider planting potentilla alongside other flowering plants that share similar light and soil requirements.
• Rock gardens: Potentilla's compact and mounding growth habit makes it well-suited for rock gardens. Choose a spot that receives full sun and has well-drained, rocky soil.
• Groundcovers: Certain varieties of potentilla, such as Potentilla reptans, can be used as groundcovers, spreading to form a dense mat of foliage and flowers. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil. Groundcover potentilla can help suppress weeds and add visual interest to areas between taller plants.
• Containers: Potentilla can also be successfully grown in containers, making them a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use well-draining potting soil. Position the container in a sunny or partially shaded location.
• Pollinator gardens: Potentilla's attractive flowers are a magnet for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil. Planting potentilla in a pollinator garden can help attract beneficial insects and support biodiversity.
• Coastal gardens: Certain varieties of potentilla, such as Potentilla fruticosa, can tolerate salt spray and sandy soil, making them suitable for coastal gardens. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil. Coastal potentilla can add a splash of color and texture to seaside landscapes.
• Woodland gardens: Potentilla can thrive in woodland gardens, adding a touch of colour and texture to shady areas. Choose a location that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade and has moist, well-drained soil. Woodland potentilla can complement other shade-loving plants, such as ferns and hostas.
• Wildlife gardens: Potentilla's berries provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil. Planting potentilla in a wildlife garden can attract a variety of animals and enhance the biodiversity of your outdoor space.

2. What is a substitute for Potentilla?

Here are some substitutes for potentilla based on their characteristics and suitability for different landscaping purposes:

Shrubs with similar flowering habits:

1. Spiraea: Spiraea shrubs offer a wide range of flowering colors, including white, pink, and red, and their blooms often resemble those of potentilla. They also have similar hardiness and adaptability to various growing conditions.
2. Hypericum (St. John's Wort): Hypericum shrubs, particularly the variety Hypericum kalmianum 'Ames', offer yellow flowers similar to those of potentilla and are known for their low-maintenance nature.
3. Caryopteris (Bluebeard): Caryopteris shrubs produce clusters of blue flowers that contrast beautifully with potentilla's yellow or pink blooms. They have a similar tolerance for heat and dry conditions.

Groundcover alternatives:

1. Ajuga (Bugleweed): Ajuga reptans is a versatile groundcover with attractive variegated foliage and blue flowers that complement potentilla's color palette. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Lamium (Deadnettle): Lamium species, such as Lamium maculatum, offer a combination of colorful foliage and small, hooded flowers that can add visual interest alongside potentilla. They prefer moist, fertile soil and partial shade.
3. Vinca (Periwinkle): Vinca minor is a popular groundcover with glossy evergreen foliage and small purple or white flowers. It is shade-tolerant and spreads readily to cover large areas.

Pollinator-friendly perennials:

1. Coreopsis (Tickseed): Coreopsis species, such as Coreopsis lanceolata and Coreopsis grandiflora, produce abundant yellow or daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators like those of potentilla. They thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil.
2. Echinacea (Purple Coneflower): Echinacea purpurea is a popular perennial with showy purple flowers that are a magnet for bees and butterflies. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): Rudbeckia species, such as Rudbeckia hirta and Rudbeckia fulgida, offer cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers that attract pollinators. They thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil.

These are just a few examples of plants that can serve as substitutes for potentilla, depending on the specific characteristics and requirements of your landscaping project.

3. What potentilla blooms the longest?

Several potentilla species boast long blooming seasons, extending from spring to fall. Here are some of the most notable potentilla varieties known for their extended flowering periods:

1. Potentilla fruticosa ‘Happy Face Hearts’: This cheerful potentilla cultivar produces abundant, bright yellow flowers with a heart-shaped center. Its bloom time extends from early spring to late autumn, making it a top choice for long-lasting color in your garden.
2. Potentilla nepalensis ‘Wilmot’s Flame’: This vibrant potentilla variety showcases stunning orange-red flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. Its compact growth habit and extended blooming period make it a versatile choice for borders and containers.
3. Potentilla recta ‘Alba’: This white-flowering potentilla cultivar produces pure white, saucer-shaped flowers from early summer to late autumn. Its upright growth habit and long blooming season add elegance to perennial borders and cottage gardens.
4. Potentilla fruticosa ‘Daydawn’: This striking potentilla variety features large, semi-double pink flowers that bloom profusely from late spring to early fall. Its vigorous growth and extended blooming period make it a standout in mixed borders and shrubberies.
5. Potentilla tabernaemontani: This adaptable potentilla species produces clusters of yellow flowers from early summer to late autumn. Its tolerance for various soil conditions and extended blooming season make it a versatile choice for gardens and landscapes.

These potentilla varieties, with their extended blooming periods, can provide continuous color and attract pollinators throughout the growing season.

4. What is the lifespan of potentilla?

Potentilla plants generally have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. This means that they can provide years of enjoyment in your garden with proper care and maintenance. Some species, such as Potentilla fruticosa, can even live for up to 30 years.

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of potentilla plants:

• Species: Different species of potentilla have varying lifespans. For example, Potentilla fruticosa is known for its long lifespan, while Potentilla reptans is a shorter-lived species.
• Growing conditions: Potentilla plants thrive in sunny or partially shaded locations with well-drained soil. Planting them in the right conditions will help them to live longer.
• Care and maintenance: Regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning will help to keep potentilla plants healthy and extend their lifespan.
• Pests and diseases: Certain pests and diseases can affect potentilla plants, shortening their lifespan. It is important to take steps to prevent and control these problems.

With proper care, you can enjoy your potentilla plants for many years to come. These hardy and long-lived plants are a great addition to any garden.

If you want to extend the lifespan of your potentilla plants, here are some additional tips:

• Choose a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Water your potentilla plants when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilize your potentilla plants every spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune your potentilla plants every spring to remove dead or diseased wood.
• Protect your potentilla plants from harsh winter weather conditions.

By following these tips, you can help your potentilla plants to live long and healthy lives.