Potentilla micrantha 'Purple Haze'

Barren Strawberry Rosaceae

A particularly attractive selection of the European barren strawberry, Potentilla micrantha, forming a low, evergreen carpet of finely divided foliage, the leaves becoming strongly suffused with deep purple, especially in cooler weather. Small, delicate white flowers with a yellow centre appear from February to April, providing an unusually early display. ‘Purple Haze’ was selected from a wild-collected form from Corovode, Albania, and is especially useful for its ability to thrive in dry shade as well as full sun. 

An excellent groundcover for woodland edges, rock gardens and difficult dry banks, where its restrained habit makes it particularly useful beneath shrubs and trees. The species is native across parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. 

Growing conditions: Grow in any reasonably well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Once established it is notably tolerant of dry conditions, making ‘Purple Haze’ valuable for dry shade where many groundcover plants struggle.

Flowering: February–April
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Height: 10–15cm
Spread: 30–45cm