shrubN. America Native

Creme Brulee Potentilla

Potentilla fruticosa 'Bailbrule'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20+ years

Native To

Circumboreal (Northern Hemisphere)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Potentilla fruticosa, or Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its long bloom season and tough disposition. It typically has a mounding habit with fine-textured, pinnately compound leaves and five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers. Crème Brûlée™ is distinguished by its charming, double flowers with creamy-white outer petals surrounding a bright yellow center, resembling a fried egg. This compact variety blooms profusely from early summer until the first frost, providing months of color.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its unique, bicolored double flowers provide a continuous and charming display all summer long. The compact, mounding habit and fine-textured foliage make it an attractive addition to borders and foundation plantings even when not in peak bloom.

This is an exceptionally tough and adaptable shrub, ideal for low-maintenance landscaping. Its drought tolerance and resistance to deer and rabbits make it a problem-solver for difficult areas.

The long blooming season provides a consistent nectar and pollen source for a variety of pollinators, including native bees and hoverflies, supporting local insect populations throughout the summer and into fall.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
Set the plant in the hole so the root ball top is level with the ground.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

For best flowering, provide at least six hours of direct sun; in hot southern climates, afternoon shade is beneficial.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune annually in early spring to maintain a compact shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
Deadhead if desired, though it's not necessary for continuous blooming.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers.
Don't prune in late summer or fall, as this can remove flower buds for the next season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful low hedge or border edgingDurable mass planting for slopes and commercial landscapesEasy-care accent in mixed perennial beds

Companion Plants

Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound' Nepeta 'Walker's Low' Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Creme Brulee Potentilla questions

What zones can Creme Brulee Potentilla grow in?

Creme Brulee Potentilla 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 Creme Brulee Potentilla deer resistant?

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

When does Creme Brulee Potentilla bloom?

Creme Brulee Potentilla 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 Creme Brulee Potentilla need full sun?

Creme Brulee Potentilla does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Creme Brulee Potentilla drought tolerant?

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