Given the weekend it is, the Potentilla is a good old reliable choice for this week. Flowers comes in red and white (Cork colours) and even gold/orange (half of Clare colours) blue has yet to be developed but in time I am sure they will be.
This reliable hardy shrub is a mainstay in most gardens given its dwarf bushy growth habit and long flowering period and it survived the really hard winters we had without any adverse affect. Its only downside for many people is that this deciduous shrub obviously goes bare in the winter. They cope well in full or part sun but flowers fade more rapidly in full sun and last longer in moister soils. The Potentilla is highly versatile and sits well in Banks and Slopes, City/Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower borders and beds, Gravel Garden, Rock Garden or Patio/Container Plants.
One of my favorites is Potentilla fruticosa “Red Ace” with its scarlet red flowers from June up till first frost sat on fine ferny bluish green foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to the garden. So definitely worthy of being our plant of the week.
