Plant Guide
 
shrub

Yellow Gem Potentilla

Potentilla fruticosa 'Yellow Gem'

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Yellow Gem Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa 'Yellow Gem') at Walter's Greenhouses

Yellow Gem Potentilla flowers

Yellow Gem Potentilla flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Yellow Gem Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa 'Yellow Gem') at Walter's Greenhouses

Yellow Gem Potentilla in bloom

Yellow Gem Potentilla in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  2a

Other Names:  Bush Cinquefoil, Shrubby Cinquefoil

Description:

A popular low growing spreading variety with showy bright yellow flowers from June until frost and fine textured gray-green foliage; the ultimate flowering shrub for northern gardens, hardy, tough and adaptable to all conditions, but dislikes wet soils

Ornamental Features

Yellow Gem Potentilla has yellow flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early fall. It has grayish green deciduous foliage. The small ferny compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour.

Landscape Attributes

Yellow Gem Potentilla is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined 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 your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Yellow Gem Potentilla is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Yellow Gem Potentilla will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features