Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Bush Cinquefoil, Shrubby Cinquefoil

Description:

A compact ball-shaped shrub with showy soft white flowers from June until frost and fine textured dusty green foliage; the ultimate flowering shrub for northern gardens, hardy, tough and adaptable to all conditions, but dislikes wet soils

Ornamental Features

McKay's White Potentilla has creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early fall. It has green deciduous foliage. The small ferny compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

McKay's White Potentilla is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

McKay's White Potentilla is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

McKay's White Potentilla will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.