Botanical profile

Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Joker'

Latin name
Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Joker'
Common name
Shrubby cinquefoil 'Red Joker'
Type
Shrub
Family
Rosaceae

Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Joker', also known as 'Red Joker' shrubby cinquefoil, is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its unique flowering with warm and changing hues. This variety forms a small, dense, rounded bush that is perfect for borders, rock gardens, sunny flowerbeds, and low-maintenance landscaping. From early summer until early autumn, the shrub produces an abundance of orange-red to brick-red flowers, sometimes with coppery tones depending on the temperature and sunlight. This warm coloration adds a vibrant and decorative touch to the garden throughout the season. Its fine grayish-green foliage creates a light texture that beautifully highlights the flowers. Very hardy and undemanding, this potentilla tolerates ordinary soils, periods of drought, and urban conditions well.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 2
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate, tolerates drought well once established
Fertilization
Light fertilization in spring if necessary
Soil type
Ordinary to poor, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Orange-red to brick-red
Fruiting
Small, not very ornamental dried fruits
Foliage color
Grayish green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Compact, rounded shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
2 ft (60 cm)
Width
90 cm (3 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.