New "Gibson's Scarlet" one-ups most of the other Potentilla hybrids with its red red flowers. Also, the foliage is particularly beautiful in deep green.
The beautiful Potentillas (or "Cinquefoils") are a great group of colormakers for perennial borders. They're small bushy (only about 18" tall) members of the rose family, and if you look closely, you'll see the five-petaled blooms resemble a small wild rose. Even though these are herbaceous perennials, their growth habit is somewhat "shrub-like", with semi-woody stems. This makes them tough plants that are loved by many gardeners. Also, romantics like the fact that the flower petals are perfect hearts.
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Botanical Name: Potentilla
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Color: Deep scarlet blooms with a darker eye
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Spread/Width: Up to 12" wide
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Bloom Time: Early to late summer
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Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil Preferences: Will grow in most soil types that are well drained.
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Variety: Gibson's Scarlet
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Advantages: Deer resistant.
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