Description

‘Happy Face Hearts’ potentilla is a many branched, extremely durable plant covered in dainty leaves and flowers from spring until frost. This cultivar is more compact than the straight species, which grows 2-4 ft tall and spreads 3-5 ft.

Pink blooms with a cheery, white and yellow star in the center (for an old-fashioned “picotee” effect) resemble apple blossoms. Bright green foliage is lightly furry, which deters deer and rabbits. Insignificant fall color. The common name of cinquefoil is in reference to the leaves (cinq means five and foil means leaf).

Attracts butterflies.

Potentilla is easy to grow and fairly care-free. Adaptable to most soils except consistently wet. The shrub will benefit if one-third of the oldest branches are removed each year, in addition to a rejuvenation pruning every few seasons to renew vigor and coverage.  If temps get very hot, the pink color will be less intense, but will return quickly when temps cool down. Handles some shade, but flowering is best in full sun.

This species of potentilla is now called Dasiphora fruticosa by some.

Height: 1-2 ft.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
Family: Rosaceae
Bloom time: June to July
Sun: full sun to part shade
Water: dry to medium
Deer and rabbit resistant

photo credit: Proven Winners
This is a Proven Winners plant.