Potentilla (also known as Bush Cinquefoil) is one of those absolute rockstars in the garden. It’s a gorgeous, heavy-bloomer that plays well with almost everyone, making it a true all-rounder for your landscaping. In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to pair Potentilla to make your garden pop.
What kind of home does Potentilla need?
First things first: Potentilla loves the spotlight. For the best results, you’ll want to pick a sunny to partly shaded spot. Just a heads-up, though—while it loves light, it’s not a huge fan of extreme, baking heat. It can get a little stressed if the air or soil gets too bone-dry, so keep that in mind during those summer scorchers.
As for the soil, this shrub is happiest in fresh to moderately moist, well-draining earth that ranges from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. When you’re looking for garden buddies, the golden rule is to choose plants that enjoy those same conditions.
What are the best companions for Potentilla?
The great news is that Potentilla is pretty easygoing, so you have plenty of options. It looks especially stunning when paired with:
- Ornamental grasses
- Roses
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Hibiscus
- Lavender
It also looks fantastic tucked in with various pine species. If you have Black Pine, Swiss Pine, Japanese White Pine, or Serbian Spruce, Potentilla makes a wonderful neighbor.
This charming shrub is also a perfect choice if you’re planning a heath garden or if you have a south- or east-facing backyard.
Because the blooms are so eye-catching, you can also let Potentilla take center stage all by itself. If you want a real showstopper, look for large-flowered varieties like ‘Goldfinger.’
Growing a Potentilla hedge
Did you know you can even use these shrubs to create a low, dense Potentilla hedge? While it won’t give you total privacy from the neighbors, it adds a massive amount of curb appeal. Plus, it stays covered in flowers for months—usually from June all the way through October!