Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo' (v)
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo' is a popular plant commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil. As a decorative plant, it has a bushy and mounded form, presenting itself with a lush, dense appearance. The foliage consists of small, pinnate leaves that are deeply textured and a bright green color which might turn into attractive shades with the changing of the seasons. The leaves are arranged spirally on the branches, creating a full and vibrant effect. The most striking feature of the Shrubby Cinquefoil is its flowers. They bloom profusely and are typically a bright yellow color, but shades can vary depending on the exact variety. The flowers are small and saucer-shaped, with five petals spreading out from a central, often darker-hued eye. Each bloom ornately adorns the shrub throughout the flowering season, often from late spring into the fall, offering a long-lasting display of color. Overall, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is known for its hardiness and its appealing, cheerful appearance which is greatly enhanced by its bright flowers. The plant is often used in garden landscapes for its durability and long blooming period, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers for adding a splash of sustainable color to outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Potentilla, Widdy.
Common names
Potentilla fruticosa, Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa var. floribunda, Potentilla fruticosa var. fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa var. pumila, Potentilla fruticosa var. tenuifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo' commonly known as the shrubby cinquefoil, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning because it is not considered poisonous. Ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to cause any serious consequences.
To pets
The shrubby cinquefoil is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe, and there are no reported symptoms of poisoning from ingestion. Therefore, pets that ingest parts of this plant are not expected to suffer from any toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-7
Native area
Northeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces bright yellow flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for dry climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from late spring to late summer, providing a long season of visual enjoyment.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for growing in various climates.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination.
- Versatility in Landscape: Can be used in various garden settings including borders, rockeries, and foundations.
- Deer Resistant: Generally not favored by deer, which helps to prevent damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo', also known as Shrubby cinquefoil, can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of yellow to green hues depending on the mordant used.
- In the past, Shrubby cinquefoil has been used for tanning leather due to the tannins present in its roots and branches.
- The fibrous root system of Shrubby cinquefoil makes it useful for soil erosion control on banks and slopes where its roots help stabilize the soil.
- The plant can be used in landscaping to create low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and aesthetic hedge borders.
- Because of its dense growth habit, Shrubby cinquefoil can be planted as a living snow fence to reduce snow drift on roads and pathways.
- Shrubby cinquefoil can be incorporated into wildlife gardens as it provides a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Its bright and long-lasting flowers make Shrubby cinquefoil a favorable choice for dried floral arrangements and crafts.
- The plant's hardiness and resistance to pests make it an ideal candidate for use in low-allergen gardens designed for those with plant allergies.
- Shrubby cinquefoil can be used in companion planting to boost the health and yield of vegetable gardens by attracting beneficial insects.
- When pruned effectively, Shrubby cinquefoil can be used in ornamental topiary, creating structured shapes and designs within a garden space.
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- Resilience: Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is known for its hardy nature and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. Its symbolism of resilience represents the ability to endure and prosper through adversity.
- Longevity: With its long blooming period and lifespan, Shrubby Cinquefoil symbolizes a long life and sustained health, often reflecting the wish for a long and fulfilling life.
- Attraction: The bright and numerous flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil can symbolize attraction and radiance, often being planted to attract positive attention or to enhance the beauty of a garden.
- Protection: In some traditions, Shrubby Cinquefoil has been associated with protective properties, possibly due to its dense growth which can provide shelter for small animals and beneficial insects.
- Simplicity: The simple, yet cheerful appearance of the flowers is often linked to the notion of simplicity and contentment in life, without the need for extravagance.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil 'Chilo' prefers evenly moist soil, so it's important to establish a regular watering routine. During its growing season, spring to fall, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to the base of the plant. Adjust watering during hot, dry periods by increasing the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. In the winter, reduce watering to match the plant's reduced need as its growth slows. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil 'Chilo' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some light shade. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade are suitable, ensuring the plant has adequate light without the intense heat of the midday sun.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil 'Chilo' is hardy and can endure a broad range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down into the -30 degrees Fahrenheit range, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will tolerate summer highs well into the 80s and 90s if necessary.
PruningShrubby Cinquefoil 'Chilo' should be pruned to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, removing dead branches and shaping the plant as desired. Light pruning throughout the growing season can help maintain the shape and encourage denser foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby cinquefoil requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and fertility.
RepottingShrubby cinquefoil doesn't need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. Repot every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingShrubby cinquefoil is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and typically does well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Chilo', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring after a period of cold stratification, which breaks dormancy. The seedling grows and establishes a root system, with the plant developing true leaves and branching stems. As it matures into a multi-stemmed shrub, usually within 2 or 3 years, it begins to flower, producing yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry, inedible fruit. The plant reaches full maturity in several years, during which it can continually produce flowers and seeds each growing season. The shrub has a relatively long lifespan, and after many years, it will eventually senesce and die, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Chilo', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant’s new growth is just beginning to harden but still flexible. To propagate, healthy non-flowering shoots are selected and cut to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves of the cuttings are removed and the base is dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mixture of equal parts peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The container is then kept under high humidity, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic cover, and in indirect light until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes several weeks. Once the cuttings have established a strong root system, they can be transferred to individual pots or planted directly in the garden.
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