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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Flower color: Yellow, though some cultivars may have white, orange, or red flowers
Foliage color: Green, often with a slightly hairy texture
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead growth
Growing zone: USDA Zones 2 to 6
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Shrubs

Potentilla fruticosa

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a hardy, deciduous shrub that is valued for its profuse flowering. It blooms from late spring to early fall, producing a continuous display of small, bright flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, or red. These blooms stand out against the backdrop of finely divided, often silvery or green foliage.

Potentilla fruticosa thrives in a wide range of climates.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Mediterranean Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Tulips · Bluebeard · Feverfew · Larkspur · Sea thrifts · Beautyberry

Design tip

The combination of soft gray-green foliage and sunny yellow flowers gives Jerusalem sage a warm, relaxed look. Its velvety leaves are attractive even when the plant isn’t blooming, while the tiers of yellow flowers bring cheerful color from late spring into early summer.