shaping a shrub

Question

How do you shape a potentilla to grow round? I see them around town and they look very nice when they are shaped like this.

Answer 1

Summer blooming shrubs like this produce flowers on new growth. So if possible prune the plant before spring growth begins. Pruning for shape takes practice (and patience) but cut a little at a time shaping the plant as you desire, stepping back to see how it looks as you go. You don't want to take off too much or you'll risk losing the round shape you're trying to achieve.