loading

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'

cinquefoil

Product Image
Long sprays of bright scarlet, saucer-shaped flowers with bright yellow anthers appear all summer long above clumps of pretty, strawberry-like leaves. This low-growing perennial is a perfect front-of-border plant for a bold planting scheme based on 'hot' colours. Given a sunny, well-drained site, Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' is easy to grow, producing a succession of flowers from June to August, although it will also brighten up a partially shady spot in the garden.

How to care for Potentilla Gibson's Scarlet:

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as they flower best with good light and won’t thrive in waterlogged ground. Improve the planting area with garden compost to help moisture retention and establish the plant well. Water regularly during the first season, then only in prolonged dry spells once settled.

Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser and apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming through summer.

Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring, replanting vigorous sections to maintain shape and flowering performance. This keeps the plant healthy and prevents the centre becoming woody over time.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

Product options image
RH30001515
9cm pot
£9.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Product options image
RH30001562
3 × 9cm pots
£24.99 £8.33 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard Delivery£5.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

Goes well with

Become an RHS Member today and save 1/3 on your first year