|
Growth Rate
|
– Moderate – reaches full size (about 2 feet tall and wide) within 2–3 years.
– Dense, compact mounding habit with minimal need for shaping. |
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
– Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
– Not a major food source for birds or mammals, but offers minor ecological value.
– Generally not browsed by deer or rabbits. |
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
– Spring – foliage emerges, first blooms begin late spring
– Summer–fall – peak bloom period; continues blooming until frost
– Winter – deciduous; stems remain woody and bare |
|
Ideal For
|
– Foundation plantings and low hedges
– Mass planting for long-season color
– Rock gardens, slopes, or xeriscapes
– Border edges and mixed shrub beds
– Wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens |
|
Leaf Description
|
– Small, fine-textured, pinnate green leaves with five leaflets
– Dense foliage creates a soft, bushy appearance
– Leaves turn yellowish in fall but are not a major seasonal feature |
|
Flower Description
|
– Single, five-petaled flowers with mango-orange petals and deep red-orange centers
– Flowers measure about 1–1.5 inches wide
– Blooming is abundant and continuous from late spring to fall |
|
Planting Instructions
|
– Plant in spring or early fall to allow root establishment.
– Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil.
– Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
– Place the plant at soil level, backfill, and water thoroughly.
– Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow mature spread.
– Avoid wet, poorly drained locations. |
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
– Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak branches and shape the plant.
– Deadheading is not necessary, but light trimming after the first flush may enhance rebloom.
– Avoid heavy pruning into old wood; plant does not respond well to severe cuts. |
|
Water Needs
|
– Requires moderate watering during establishment, then becomes quite drought tolerant.
– Water deeply but infrequently once established.
– Avoid overly wet soils or standing water, which can cause root rot. |
|
Light Needs
|
– Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
– In part shade, flowering will be significantly reduced and plant may become leggy. |
|
Harvesting
|
– Not typically used as a cut flower due to short stems and small bloom size
– Can be lightly trimmed after peak bloom for shaping and appearance
– No known edible or medicinal harvest uses |
|
Fertilizing
|
– Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10).
– Avoid over-fertilization, which may lead to reduced flowering and excessive foliage.
– Organic compost can be added annually to maintain soil fertility. |
|
Pollination
|
– Pollinated by bees, hoverflies, and other small pollinators.
– Self-fertile and insect-pollinated – does not require a second plant to set seed.
– While flowers attract pollinators, this cultivar is usually grown for ornamental value, not seed production. |
|
Companion Plants
|
– Lavandula (Lavender) – similar sun and soil needs, contrasting form and fragrance
– Nepeta (Catmint) – soft mounding shape complements the rounded Potentilla habit
– Salvia nemorosa – upright spires offer a nice vertical contrast
– Achillea (Yarrow) – drought tolerant with ferny foliage and flat-topped blooms
– Spiraea japonica – larger shrub with complementary flower colors
– Echinacea (Coneflower) – adds height and summer interest
– Perovskia (Russian Sage) – cool-colored contrast with long bloom time
– Ornamental grasses (Festuca, Panicum) – add fine texture and movement |
