POTENTILLA f. Red Ace CMR

Description and Characteristics

Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace' CMR is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub prized for its bright, deep red flowers that bloom profusely from late spring through to autumn. Part of the Potentilla fruticosa species (also known as Shrubby Cinquefoil), 'Red Ace' is known for its long blooming period, neat form, and exceptional garden reliability.

The small, cup-shaped flowers appear in abundance over finely divided, dark green foliage that stays attractive throughout the season. The intense brick-red to orange-red flowers hold their colour well, particularly in cooler conditions, and bring long-lasting impact to borders, banks, and foundation plantings.

This cultivar typically reaches a mature height of 40–60 cm and spreads 60–90 cm, forming a rounded, bushy shrub that’s ideal for low hedging, rock gardens, or mixed borders. 'Red Ace' is a CMR selection—meaning it meets Colour, Maturity, and Resistance standards—emphasizing its vibrant flower tone, compact habit, and strong disease resistance.

• Brick to scarlet-red flowers from May to September

• Height: 40–60 cm; Spread: 60–90 cm

• Dense, mounded shape with finely textured green foliage

• Excellent for low-maintenance borders, urban gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings

• Part of the CMR range—selected for colour vibrancy, growth consistency, and resilience

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace' is very easy to grow, making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional gardeners. It tolerates a range of soil types and is highly adaptable to varying conditions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact form

  • Will tolerate light partial shade, though with slightly fewer flowers

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in any well-drained soil, including sandy or chalky sites

  • Tolerates poor or dry soils, as long as they are not waterlogged

  • Neutral to slightly alkaline pH preferred

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the establishment phase

  • Once established, drought-tolerant and suitable for low-water landscapes

  • Avoid wet feet in winter

• Feeding:

  • Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring

  • Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and improve soil texture

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Lightly prune in early spring to remove dead wood and shape

  • For rejuvenation, cut back hard every 3–4 years to encourage fresh growth

  • Deadheading is not necessary, but may improve tidiness

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–7 (RHS H7)

  • Fully hardy across Ireland and the UK

  • Deciduous—loses leaves in winter but leafs out reliably in spring

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Potentilla 'Red Ace' is a low-maintenance, high-impact shrub ideal for long-season colour, textural contrast, and wildlife value in a wide range of garden styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for low hedging, mass planting, and mixed shrub borders

  • Great in rock gardens, coastal settings, and urban landscapes

  • Suitable for containers, slope stabilisation, or foundation planting

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Hebe, Salvia, Nepeta, and Spiraea

  • Blends nicely with other low shrubs and perennials such as Geranium, Sedum, or Perovskia

  • Contrasts beautifully with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Stachys

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees and butterflies, offering a valuable nectar source

  • Long flowering window provides food for pollinators from spring to autumn

  • Useful in wildlife gardens and pollinator corridors

• Container Use:

  • Performs well in terracotta pots or patio planters with good drainage

  • Use a peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit

  • Position in full sun, and water during dry periods

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to pests and common diseases

  • Occasionally affected by powdery mildew in overly humid or shady spots

  • Good airflow and full sun reduce risk

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.