Buttercup Shrub

The Buttercup Shrub is also known as Potentilla. This shrub is an evergreen that grows quite well in temperate climates. Though southern temperatures are more suitable for the Buttercup Shrub, it is somewhat frost and light freeze tolerant.

Buttercup Shrubs will grow to a height of 12 feet, but can be trimmed often to keep this shrub small.

The bright yellow flowers bud in mid spring and pop as the temperatures reach a steady 65°F to 72°F. The blooms will continue through fall. The Buttercup Shrub produces most heavily in the humid summer. The shrub will attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. As a drought tolerant shrub, the Buttercup is used on hillsides to help prevent erosion. The masses of yellow flowers are beautiful when planted in bunches of three or more.

Growing Buttercup Shrub

When planting the Buttercup shrub, dig a hole that is three times the size of the root ball and 1 ½ times as deep. Mix 1 bag of loam, 1 bag of peat and ½ cup neutral fertilizer and use this mixture to fill the hole around the root ball. Water the shrub in well and place mulch around the trunk about 4 to 6 inches thick. Water this shrub about once every other week heavily and it will stay happy.

Care Of The Buttercup Shrub

The Buttercup Shrub thrives in peaty and loamy soils. If this type of soil is not available in your geographic location, we suggest some soil amendment at the time you plant this shrub. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.0, or in the neutral zone. This shrub needs full sun exposure and propagates from seeds.

There is a little secret to continue the prolific blooming period. Trim the shrubs in late June or July. It is a good idea to fertilize and heavily water at this time. The flowers will be borne at the ends of the new growth. In late winter before the first thaw, thin the plant back about one third, cutting away older stems only.

Note: The Buttercup Shrub is a butterfly nectar source and the host to butterfly larvae. This shrub can be used in a rock garden, foundation plantings, as a border or used as ground cover to prevent erosion.