mountain cowslip

Water Potentilla fruticosa consistently throughout the growing season. Water deeply once each week if there is no natural rainfall, making sure to saturate the root ball. If it is particularly hot or windy, water twice a week. Reduce watering frequency after the flowering season has ended, and especially in the winter, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not allow the soil to become boggy or waterlogged. Plants growing in pots or containers will need more frequent watering.

Potentilla fruticosa is a perennial shrub that can be found in many parts of the world. It prefers full sun, but can also tolerate light shade in some areas. For optimal growth and flowering, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is especially beneficial and may promote increased flowering. When planted in partial shade or filtered sunlight, Potentilla fruticosa may not bloom as much and may lack intensity of its flower colour as well. It is advised to avoid deep shade for this plant species.

Potentillas should be pruned each year for best growth and flowering. Prune potentillas in early spring, before new growth begins. This will keep the shape of the shrub neat and promote new growth. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or weak branches. Cut out any branches that are growing where they aren’t wanted, or crossing other branches. Cut out branches that appear old or woody. Make sure to prune at a point just above a pair of healthy buds. Pruning Potentilla fruticosa to shape it should be done with hand pruners, using thinning cuts to remove branches at a node. Thinning cuts should be cut just above a healthy bud, at an angle that directs the new growth outward. When pruning Potentilla fruticosa back, make sure to leave some of the flowering stems. This will encourage more flowers in the next season.