Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Potentilla fruticosa 'SMPFMY'
CheeseHead Shrubby Cinquefoil
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Bright yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional pruning to remove dead wood and maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 2 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Potentilla fruticosa 'SMPFMY' is a compact, deciduous shrub celebrated for its abundant and cheerful yellow blooms. The flowers, with their soft, lemon-hued petals, appear in late spring and continue through summer, creating a long-lasting display. The plant's finely textured green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers, maintaining its ornamental value even when not in bloom.
CheeseHead Potentilla is well-suited to modern gardens and landscaping. This selection highlights the adaptability and resilience of its species, which is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. With its bright, sunny flowers and neat growth habit, it is a charming addition to mixed borders, foundation plantings, or mass plantings.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Avens · Strawberry tree · Betony · Blue grama grass · Thyme · Butterfly bush
Design tip
CheeseHead Potentilla is an easy way to bring sunny color to the garden for months at a time. Its lemon-yellow flowers stand out against the fine green foliage, while its neat, compact shape keeps the overall look tidy and balanced.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the Oregon Display Garden at Monrovia.
