
Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa 'Happy Face Hearts'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
15-20 years
Native To
Northern Hemisphere, including North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Potentilla fruticosa, or Bush Cinquefoil, is an exceptionally hardy and adaptable deciduous shrub, known for its long blooming season and fine-textured, ferny foliage. 'Happy Face Hearts' is a charming and unique cultivar featuring bicolored pink flowers. Each petal has a darker pink, heart-shaped marking at its base, creating a delightful effect on a compact, mounding plant.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with at least 4-6 hours of sun.
- Plant in any average, well-drained soil; it's not picky.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
- Set the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil.
- Backfill, firm the soil, and water in well.
- Give a light shearing in early spring to maintain a tidy shape.
Pro Tip
For the best pink color, provide some light afternoon shade in hot climates, as intense sun can cause the flowers to fade.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good drainage; it dislikes soggy soil.
- Water regularly during the first season to establish a good root system.
- Prune annually to prevent it from becoming woody and sparse.
Don't
- Do not overwater once established; it is drought tolerant.
- Avoid planting in deep shade, which will result in poor flowering.
- Don't fertilize heavily; it thrives in lean soil.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil questions
What zones can Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil grow in?
Happy Face Hearts 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 Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil deer resistant?
Yes — Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil bloom?
Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil need full sun?
Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Happy Face Hearts Bush Cinquefoil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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