Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood'
Abbotswood Shrubby Cinquefoil
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 2 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Pure white five petaled flowers with yellow centers
- Foliage color
- Fine textured blue green to gray green pinnate leaves with small oval leaflets
- Bloom time
- Late spring to fall; often May to September
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to average well drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 2 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees butterflies and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood' produces crisp white flowers from late spring through early fall, each bloom opening with five rounded petals surrounding a soft yellow center. The blossoms appear continuously along the stems, providing a long season of color. Finely divided leaves form soft, gray-green foliage composed of small leaflets that create a light, textured canopy across the plant.
This cultivar traces its heritage to Potentilla fruticosa native to northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. In gardens it provides extended seasonal interest in borders and mixed plantings where the steady flowering and fine foliage contribute texture and lasting color.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Waterwise Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Irises · Italian buckthorn · Sneezeweed · Fountain grass · Rock cress · Flowering quince
Design tip
‘Abbotswood’ is a good choice when you want plenty of flowers without a heavy or formal look. Its white blooms continue for months, while the fine gray-green foliage gives the shrub a soft, airy appearance that blends easily into mixed plantings.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
