I have a potentilla in my garden which is about seven years old. I think it is called `Miss Wilmot` - a very pretty red. It has a very short flowering season contrary to what I read in books etc. Should I be removing spent flowers? They only last a brief period and the seed pods are very attractive but I would like to extend the flowering season for as long as possible. Any tips on making the most of this plant would be gratefully received.

From what I've read about this plant, it does not do too well above zone 7 as far as blooming goes. Some of the varieties that I've read about bloom from July to September. Seems like they like the cooler temperatures. Deadheading your plants surely should have some effect on your plant, and possibly extending the blooming time. Go to ask.com and insert POTENTILLA in the search box. There are a number of links for this plant that may help you.

I have many of these in my garden. I have the yellow, orange and red varieties. I do absolutley nothing to them (unless I want to prune them to be a certain shape) and they are just fine.....Well, yanno where I live, so, you are pretty much in the same zone as I am! I only get gardening books that are pertinent to the west coast of Canada or the UK - same thing!