Potentilla fruticosa Bella Sol ´Hachdon´

Potentilla fruticosa 'Bella Sol' is a lively orange-flowering twin of the lovely 'Bellissima'. Like its counterpart, this very recent variety brings a breath of fresh air to the world of shrubby potentillas. It stands out for its naturally compact and beautifully rounded habit that requires no pruning and for the vibrant and long-lasting colour of its large flowers, which are a bright orange turning to yellow-orange. This shrub delivers a long-lasting flowering period, highlighted by its dense dark green foliage. Easy to grow, hardy, and low-maintenance, this shrub fits anywhere, in flower beds and large pots on the patio. It is a highly rewarding plant and almost fail-proof in well-drained soil.

Potentilla fruticosa is a woody shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, just like roses. The Bella Sol variety 'Hachdon' was obtained and selected recently in Germany by Holger Hachmann. It is, therefore, an exceptionally hardy shrub. Bella Sol has a bushy and rounded habit with particularly dense foliage. When mature, the plant will measure about 60 cm (24in) in all directions. Its slender branches, brown and peeling with age, bear deciduous foliage that disappears in winter. The small size of the leaves, divided into narrow leaflets, gives a beautiful lightness to the dark green silhouette. A slight white hairiness on the underside of the leaves gives a silky and slightly silver appearance. Its delicate flowers, rather large for the species, are shaped like 4 cm (2in) wide cups, with beautiful bright orange petals evolving towards yellow-orange without fading in the sun. At the heart of the flower are golden stamens. The abundant flowering, starting in June and lasting throughout summer, is generally more intense at the beginning of the period. Depending on the soil's moisture, it then loses some of its vigour during the season.

Potentillas produce flowers with more vibrant colours in full sun; in partial shade, the colour is slightly less intense. Easy plants, generous and beautifully coloured potentillas, are ideal for brightening up the garden or balcony. With their Scottish rose-like appearance and very modest requirements, they can be used in multiple ways and planted anywhere: in flower beds, rockeries, borders, low hedges, containers, and under most climates and in any well-drained soil. 

The Bella Sol potentilla will have a beautiful effect when paired with Dahlias, shrubby salvias, yarrows, Gaura, thistles, perennial flax, oriental poppies, or large daisies. It is ideally paired with Mediterranean plants (Lavender, Rosemary, Rockrose, Fennel, Helichrysum, and Teucrium) for a warm and fragrant atmosphere. For an architectural flare, it can be combined with plants with a more slender or tousled habit (Phormiums, Grasses, Euphorbias). On a slope or rockery (where it is better placed if your garden soil is heavy and clay), it will blend with dwarf or creeping Conifers, creeping Ceanothus, or groundcover and landscape Roses. Potentillas make stunning large borders in front of a screen of evergreen shrubs (Abelia, Boxwood, Holly, Mahonia, Japanese spindle tree) that will take over in winter.