Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii'
ABOUT
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Beesii', possesses a dense, bushy growth habit with intricate branching. This deciduous shrub features small, bright green, pinnate leaves that are comprised of multiple leaflets, lending it a fine-textured appearance. The foliage often takes on a distinctive blue-green hue, creating a soft and visually soothing backdrop throughout the growing season. One of the most striking characteristics of this cultivar is its profuse blooms. The flowers are bright yellow, with a classic cinquefoil shape, consisting of five rounded petals radiating out from a small, central eye. The cheerful blossoms are in contrast with the green foliage, creating a lively display that often attracts bees and other pollinators — hence the name 'Beesii'. In terms of growth and structure, the shrub maintains a well-branched form that lends itself nicely to shaping and pruning, making it an excellent choice for hedges and borders within a garden landscape. The overall impression of the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Beesii' is one of hardiness and charm, with its season-long flowering and ability to thrive in various conditions contributing to its popularity in temperate gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Potentilla, Widdy.
Common names
Dasiphora floribunda, Pentaphylloides floribunda, Potentilla floribunda, Potentilla fruticosa, Shrubby cinquefoil.
ToxicityTo humans
Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii') is largely regarded as non-toxic to humans. Therefore, no significant symptoms of poisoning or toxicity are generally expected upon ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil is also considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause poisoning or adverse health effects in animals like dogs and cats. However, ingestion of any plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the mechanical irritation of the plant matter, rather than chemical toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts wildlife: Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesity' is known to attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Decorative: With its bright yellow flowers and bushy growth habit, this plant adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, the shrubby cinquefoil can handle periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cold hardiness: Shrubbery Cinquefoil is resistant to cold temperatures, which makes it ideal for cooler climates.
- Versatile use: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, ground cover, or as a foundation plant.
- Deer resistance: The plant is typically resistant to browsing by deer, protecting it in areas where deer are prevalent.
- Long blooming period: Shrubbery Cinquefoil has a lengthy flowering season, providing color throughout the summer and into the fall.
- Soil adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Pruning tolerance: The plant can tolerate and respond well to pruning, allowing for easy shaping and control of its size.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrub border accent: Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii', known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, can be used as a focal point in a mixed shrub border due to its compact form and vibrant yellow flowers.
- Ground cover: When planted in mass, Shrubby Cinquefoil can serve as an effective ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Wildlife garden: The aromatic flowers attract various pollinators, making it an ideal plant for a wildlife-friendly garden or a pollinator garden.
- Bonsai: Some garden enthusiasts may use Shrubby Cinquefoil for creating bonsai due to its small leaves and potential for intricate branching.
- Landscape contouring: The plant can be used in landscape designs for contouring, as it can tolerate trimming and shaping.
- Erosion control on slopes: Its dense and spreading root system makes it suitable for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion.
- Decorative dried flowers: The blooms of Shrubby Cinquefoil can be dried and used in decorative arrangements inside the home.
- Theme gardens: This plant is appropriate for inclusion in a yellow-themed garden, where its bright flowers can complement other yellow flora.
- Rock gardens: Shrubby Cinquefoil's low-growing habit and tolerance for dry conditions make it suitable for use in rock gardens.
- Live plant art: Creative gardeners might use the plant's distinct form and flowering characteristics to create outdoor 'live' art installations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Shrubby Cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Shrubby Cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hardiness: Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is known for its resilience and hardiness, symbolizing strength and the ability to withstand difficult conditions.
- Longevity: With its long blooming season, Shrubby Cinquefoil embodies endurance and the lasting nature of life.
- Attraction: The 'Beesii' variety, as its name suggests, is attractive to bees, representing magnetism and the ability to draw in positivity.
- Simplicity: The modest and unpretentious flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil symbolize simplicity and an appreciation for the understated aspects of life.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, Shrubby Cinquefoil is believed to bring prosperity and wealth, due to its abundant flowering.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it's relatively drought tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Aim to water this plant about once a week, providing roughly 1 gallon of water for each plant. In hot and dry conditions, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. During winter or rainy periods, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It's ideal to plant it in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. Avoid deep shade locations as this can impact the flowering and growth of the plant.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, Shrubby Cinquefoil prefers a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Shrubby Cinquefoil to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune up to one-third of the older stems down to the ground each year, which promotes new growth and rejuvenates the plant. If necessary, light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix should include equal parts of garden soil, compost, and sand for drainage. It is important to ensure the soil is not overly rich, as this can promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowering.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil does not typically require frequent repotting as it is usually cultivated as an outdoor shrub. It can be repotted every few years if grown in containers to refresh the soil and provide additional nutrients.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average outdoor environment. It does not have specific humidity requirements and thrives in both relatively dry and humid conditions as long as its soil moisture needs are met.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Beesii', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle with germination, where seeds sprout in the spring after experiencing cold winter temperatures which break dormancy. Seedlings establish themselves quickly and move into a vegetative growth stage, forming a dense mat of foliage. Throughout the spring and summer, the shrub enters its reproductive stage, producing bright yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, hence the cultivar name 'Beesii'. Following pollination, fruits develop in the form of small achenes that eventually disperse, either by wind or wildlife, to begin a new generation. During autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy as it ceases flowering and may shed some leaves, though it is generally evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the climate. Throughout its lifespan, which can be up to 20 years or more, the shrub can endure and thrive amidst various pruning, dividing, and transplanting, making it a resilient and adaptable landscape plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Potentilla fruticosa 'Beesii', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is best propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. To do this, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut pieces about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then insert the cutting into a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a humid environment around the cuttings using a plastic cover or misting regularly. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on until they are strong enough to be planted out into the garden.
