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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 4 feet
Flower color: Bright yellow
Foliage color: Deep green leaves with fine texture
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Low to moderate, tolerates dry conditions once established
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly to shape after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Bees and butterflies

Shrubs

Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldfinger'

Goldfinger Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldfinger' is a deciduous shrub admired for its abundant, bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. The blooms are large for the species, standing out against the finely textured, dark green foliage. This extended flowering season makes it a reliable source of vibrant color throughout the warmer months.

A cultivated variety of the hardy shrub native to northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, 'Goldfinger' was selected for its enhanced flower size and vivid coloration.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Low to moderate, tolerates dry conditions once established

Bloom time

Late spring to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Rock Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Peonies · Alpine mint bush · Wallflower · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Manzanita

Design tip

‘Goldfinger’ brings a cheerful splash of yellow to the garden for much of the growing season. Its bright flowers stand out beautifully against the fine, dark green foliage, making it especially useful for bringing lasting color to areas that might otherwise feel a little quiet.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)