Collection: Potentilla

Potentilla fruticosa, the shrubby cinquefoil, is one of the hardiest shrubs there is. It's fine anywhere in Britain, including cold, windy, exposed and seaside gardens, which makes it a good choice for a difficult plot.

It flowers from late spring into autumn, it's good for bees, and it's easy to grow in sun or partial shade. Give it a light prune each spring to stop it going twiggy and bare in the middle. At half a metre to a metre, it makes a low, informal edge rather than a screen.

Ours is 'Goldfinger', with yellow flowers, in a 2 litre pot. Plant from March to May or September to November. Grown peat-free in Yorkshire.