Potentilla Shrub Pruning: Spring Maintenance for a Beautiful Landscape

Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa) is a great small shrub for the landscape that is hardy, drought tolerant, and has long lasting yellow flowers. It was very popular many years ago and coming back into favor. My favorite varieties are Dakota Sunspot, Mango Tango and Summer Dawn. The yellow flowers provide an excellent contrast in the landsape with their mid summer blooms. I highly recommend them for the low maintenance garden. Dakota Sunspot is a NDSU variety introduction. Spring pruning is quick so you can be on your way to enjoying these beautiful plants in your landscape!

Here are some tips for spring pruning your potentilla shrubs:

• Prune back before bud break each spring. This will promote new growth and excellent flowering.
• Normally, shear back 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant each spring.
• When there is extensive dead growth, consider taking the plant nearly all the way to the ground.

They are native to the badlands, so they are used to harsh conditions with little water. In fact, they are quite drought tolerant and can even thrive in sandy or rocky soil.

Spring is the perfect time to give your potentilla shrubs a little love in the form of pruning. Not only will this promote new growth and excellent flowering, but it will also help keep your shrubs looking their best. Happy pruning!

If you're not sure how to prune potentilla shrubs, never fear!  Check out this YouTube video for tips to get the job done right.