Potentilla?

[geetey]

Wondering if anyone has experience with the Potentilla plant? I am considering getting 3 of these plants to replace some golden spirea. I just don't care for spirea.

Here is what Wayside Gardens show....

http://www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=prod2working&ItemId=47378&PrevMainPage=textsearchresults&scChannel=Text%20Search&SearchText=Potentilla&OfferCode=SH3

 

[CajunDixie]

We have 2 yellow potentilla bushes in front of our deck (west side of our house) and they do very well there. I don't think you could kill these things if you tried. One was even ran over by a snowmobile and it survived just fine. You'll need to trim them every year or they'll get scraggily (that a word? ).

 

[mdvaden]

Potentilla is not one of my favorites, mainly due to the cold season when leaves fall off. It doesn't have much in the way of an attractive branch structure.

But I've seen the one you posted. And they do look nice in the growing season. I'd prefer that one over the regular yellow.

 

[geetey]

How would you compare it to a spirea? I guess spirea have been over-used where I am and I don't want to add any more to the area! lol Definitely looking for a similar plant. Low...flowering....accent towards the front of a large landscaped area...

I am open to any suggestions!

 

[mdvaden]

I'd pick Spiraea any day myself. Mainly ones like 'Anthony Waterer' or similar ones. I like the fuzzy blossoms.

But I also like brushing my hands on my plants, and like the softer foliage - which on those Spiraea, does have color too.

The Spiraea cut back very, very nicely in winter, if desired, and resprout well.

Nandina domestic 'Gulf Stream' is another favorite of similar size. Not Fire Power though - it looks wilted like the leaves were torched.