Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil)

Very floriferous, Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil) is a compact, bushy deciduous shrub boasting masses of large, rich yellow flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), from late spring to the first frosts. The blossoms are so profuse that they literally smother the plant.

Very floriferous, Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil) is a compact, bushy deciduous shrub boasting masses of large, rich yellow flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), from late spring to the first frosts. The blossoms are so profuse that they literally smother the plant. They contrast nicely against the foliage mound of small, pinnate, blue-green leaves. Noted for its extremely long blooming season, Shrubby Cinquefoil is an incredibly tough plant, withstanding drought in the summer as well as cold temperatures in the winter. It is also one of the easiest plants to care for. A first-class shrub that is perfect for informal hedging, or for sunny borders.

  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Shrubby Cinquefoil is not fussy about soils provided they are well-drained. Tolerates drought, salt and poor soils.
  • Virtually pest and disease free, it is also deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Shrubby Cinquefoil is very adaptable and an excellent choice as a single specimen plant, massed in beds and borders, or as an informal hedge.
  • Trim lightly after flowering, cutting out some of the oldest stems to make room for new growth.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer.
  • Native to northern parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and Northern Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Potentilla – Cinquefoils
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 4'
(60cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 48″
– 60″
(120cm
– 150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, North Carolina, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage