Potentilla fruticosa 'Farreri' - Gold Drop Potentilla

A very compact and popular selection with showy yellow flowers from June until frost and fine textured bright green foliage; the ultimate flowering shrub for northern gardens, hardy, tough and adaptable to all conditions, but dislikes wet soils

Height: 24 inches. Spread: 3 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 2a.

Ornamental features

Gold Drop Potentilla has gold flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early fall. It has green deciduous foliage. The small ferny compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape

Gold Drop 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.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, General Garden Use.

Planting and growing

Gold Drop 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.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.