Potentilla needing a bit of work

nickoslesteros · 9 March

Hello!

I have, what I think is a Potentilla. Although it still flowers a fair bit, it is looking a little leggy. Id like to avoid the expense of replacing it at the moment and I was wondering if there was a lot o could do. The RHS pruning guide suggests a replacement for old shrubs, but all I know it it's 6 years or older (based on how long I have lived here).

Is it worth thinning out older stems and trimming it a bit now?

As always, many thanks!

Fairygirl · 9 March

I often cut mine back, especially if I want to move them - they come away no bother. Unfortunately, as there's new growth on yours, it means you'd be cutting that off, but you could take a third of the main stems off, and do the other 2 thirds over the next couple of years if you wanted, so that you'll still have some flowers. Or, take some stems right out to leave a thinned shrub, and the cut ones will grow on. They're very easy in that respect.
You'd probably find that it would come away fairly well anyway if you cut it back now, but it depends on how you feel about it. There may be limited flowering this year if it's cut back hard just now, but it'll regenerate it well in the long run.

It might be suffering a bit from competition from other plants, so you could take the opportunity to beef up the soil a bit as well after pruning. A little general food BF&B for example, will give it a boost for the season.

nickoslesteros · 12 March

@Fairygirl Followed your tips. I went easy, but managed a substantial tidy. Also fed with blood fish and bone. Will have another go next year. It's looking a lot better for the work! Thank you

Fairygirl · 13 March

Sorry I've just seen your post - I thought I'd better look further and check anything I'd missed, considering the current situation with the forum.
You're very welcome @nickoslesteros. I hope it all goes well for you.

Potentilla needing a bit of work

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