shrub RHS AwardN. America Native

Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Northern Hemisphere

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Potentilla fruticosa is a tough, adaptable, and cold-hardy deciduous shrub with fine-textured, ferny foliage and a very long season of saucer-shaped flowers. 'Abbotswood' is a classic and reliable cultivar prized for its profusion of clear white, 1-inch wide flowers that bloom continuously from June until frost. It has attractive blue-green foliage.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers an exceptionally long bloom season, covering itself in cheerful white flowers from early summer until the first frost. Its fine-textured, blue-green foliage provides a soft look.

This is an incredibly tough and adaptable shrub, tolerant of cold, drought, and a wide range of soils. It's perfect for low-maintenance mass plantings, borders, and low hedges.

The simple, open-faced flowers are easily accessible to a wide range of pollinators, particularly native bees, providing a reliable food source throughout the summer.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's container.
Place the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.
Prune annually in late winter to maintain vigor and shape.

Pro Tip

In hot southern climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent flower stress and encourage better blooming through the heat.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best flowering performance.
Prune annually to prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse.
Water during extended droughts, though it is very resilient.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, constantly wet soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
Do not let it get overgrown and leggy; regular pruning is key.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hard-working low hedgeDurable mass plantingFine-textured border accent

Companion Plants

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Spiraea japonica Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil questions

What zones can Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil grow in?

Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil deer resistant?

Yes — Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil bloom?

Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil need full sun?

Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Abbotswood Bush Cinquefoil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.