Happy Face Yellow Potentilla (PW)

Overview

Happy Face® Yellow Potentilla is a compact, mound‑forming deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom continuously from late spring through to early fall (and often until frost) against dark green foliage. It’s part of the Proven Winners® “Happy Face” series and is particularly valued for its tough landscape performance, cold hardiness (down to Zone 2/3) and low maintenance. 

Key Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Dasiphora fruticosa (syn. Potentilla fruticosa) ‘Lundy’ PP#22176. 

• Common Name: Happy Face® Yellow Potentilla

• Hardiness Zones: 2–7 (so very suitable for Zone 3) 

• Mature Size: About 24–36 inches (60‑90 cm) tall and wide (approx. 2‑3 ft) in many sources. 

• Habit: Dense, mounded shrub with dark green fine foliage and masses of yellow blooms. 

• Flowering: Late spring through summer into early‑fall (often until frost in ideal sites) with large, clear yellow flowers. 

• Tolerances: Drought‑tolerant once established, deer‑resistant, tolerant of poor soils, salt, and various conditions. 

☀️ Sun & Site Requirements

• Full sun (6+ hours/day) is ideal for best flowering and habit. 

• Can tolerate part sun (4‑6 hours) but flowering and habit may not be as strong. 

• Soil: Very adaptable. Prefers well‑drained soil, but tolerates average, sandy, clay or poor soils once established. Avoid sites that stay waterlogged. 

• Soil pH: Tolerates a range (acid, neutral, slightly alkaline) though good drainage is more important. 

Watering & Maintenance

• Water regularly during the first growing season after planting to establish deep roots. 

• Once established, plants are quite drought tolerant — only occasional watering needed during dry spells. 

• Pruning: In late winter or early spring, trim lightly for shape or rejuvenate every 3‑5 years by removing up to one‑third of the oldest stems down to ground level. This helps maintain vigor and good form. 

• Fertilizing: Minimal required. A light application in early spring or top‑dress with compost is usually sufficient. 

Benefits & Landscape Uses

• Excellent for low‑maintenance landscapes, foundation plantings, mass plantings, border beds, rock gardens, and wildlife friendly gardens (attracts pollinators). 

• Because of its bright yellow flowers and compact habit, it works well as a cheerful accent shrub or in group plantings for colour impact.

• Deer resistant, which is a major plus in many gardens. 

• Cold hardy down to very low temperatures — suitable for tough conditions.