Potentilla (Shrubby Cinquefoil)

General
Scientific Name: Potentilla fruticosa
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub
Growth
Rate: Slow
Mature Height: <4’
Longevity: Medium
Power Line: Yes
Ornamental
Flowers: White, pink, red or yellow
Fruit: Brown seeds
Fall Color: Green to yellowbrown

A very hardy and widely used native shrub in landscape plantings across the state. Popular for its floral display throughout most of the summer season; primary flower colors are yellow and white, but several cultivars show pinkish-red shades. There are several herbaceous forbs that belong to the Potentilla genus native to the North Dakota prairie.

Light: Full sun for best flower.
Water: Tolerates a wide range of moistures from bogs to drought.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types. Withstands poor soils.

Potentilla make excellent landscape plants. Their delicate foliage along with a long bloom time of bright flower colors make them wonderful as shrub borders, in masses and around houses.

There are over 100 cultivars available in a variety of colors and forms. Two yellow-flowered varieties released by NDSU are:

Dakota Sunspot® - Compact, spreading habit. Flowers 1” wide.

Dakota Goldrush® potentilla - Slightly larger than Dakota Sunspot®, with larger flowers and more late-season blooms.