Shrubby cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn' is commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil. This plant boasts a compact, bushy form with fine-textured foliage that adds a delicate touch to the landscape. Its leaves are small, pinnate, and divided into five or more leaflets that bear a resemblance to the palm of a hand. The leaflets are green above and paler beneath, exuding a soft shimmer in the sunlight. The most captivating feature of Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' is its flowers. It produces an abundance of yellow blooms that are soft but vibrant, providing an eye-catching standout in gardens. Each flower has five petals arranged in a simple, open-faced structure, reminiscent of wild roses, but with a unique charm all their own. These blooms are not only pleasing to the eye but also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' has a mounding, somewhat rounded shape, making it perfect for use in various landscape settings. Its branching habit gives it an airy, yet robust appearance that can add texture and color to borders, rock gardens, or as a foundation planting. This plant exhibits a certain ruggedness, able to withstand both cold and less-than-ideal soil conditions. Overall, Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' is appreciated for its easy care, the sunny disposition of its yellow flowers, and its modest, tidy presence in the garden landscape. Its appearance throughout the blooming season offers a long-lasting and charming display, making it a favorite among gardening enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Shrubby Five-finger, Golden Hardhack
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Daydawn', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Daydawn', Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn'.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There have been no significant reports of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant. However, it is always wise to avoid eating any plant unless it is known to be safe and is intended for human consumption.
To pets
The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn') is also not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not typically associated with any symptoms of poisoning in pets, and consuming parts of this plant usually does not lead to toxic consequences. Nonetheless, it’s always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended as food to avoid any potential digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Daydawn is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is quite resilient in dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Long Blooming: It offers extended blooming periods, often from late spring until the first frosts of autumn.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Soil Adaptability: Daydawn can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the drainage is good.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It's used in various landscape designs, from borders to groundcover and mass plantings.
- Colorful Foliage: Some varieties provide attractive foliage that adds interest outside the blooming season.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, which is beneficial on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- Deer Resistant: Daydawn is not favored by deer, so it is less likely to be damaged 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- Shrub's roots as natural dye: The fibrous roots can be boiled to create a subtle dye for fabrics or wool, often resulting in soft yellow or tan hues.
- Attracting beneficial insects: Shrubby Cinquefoil serves as a habitat for various beneficial insects, including ladybugs and lacewings which help keep the pest population in check.
- Theming in rock gardens: Due to its compact form and tolerance to pruning, it can be sculpted to fit into thematic rock garden designs.
- Winter interest: Even after the flowers have gone, its woody stems and seed heads provide visual interest throughout the winter, adding texture to a dormant landscape.
- Erosion control: Its dense root system helps stabilize slopes and control soil erosion, especially in sandy or loose soil conditions.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the bright yellow flowers and foliage can add a rustic appeal to floral arrangements.
- Education: Used as a hands-on educational tool to teach about plant growth habits, reproduction, and pruning in horticulture classes.
- Bonsai: Some enthusiasts may use the resilient nature of this shrub to create bonsai versions, training them into miniature tree forms.
- Seasonal celebrations: Twigs and flowers can be incorporated into wreaths or decorative motifs for spring and summer festivals.
- Hedging for wildlife: When used as hedging, it can provide nesting sites and shelter for small birds and other wildlife.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe shrubby cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe shrubby cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is admired for its hardy nature, which allows it to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing the human capacity to withstand adversity.
- Longevity - With its capability to live and stay attractive for many years, Shrubby Cinquefoil represents enduring life and can be associated with long-lasting well-being or relationships.
- Protection - Herbal lore often cites members of the Potentilla genus as plants used for protection in various cultures, suggesting that the Shrubby Cinquefoil could be seen as a symbol of safety and shelter.
- Attraction and Charm - The bright and cheerful flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil, which often attract pollinators, may be symbolic of attraction and the ability to draw in positivity and good fortune.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' prefers evenly moist soil, but established plants can tolerate some drought. During the first growing season, water the shrub deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering, unless there is significant rainfall. After establishment, reduce watering frequency but ensure the plants receive at least 1 gallon per week during extended dry periods. In hotter climates, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but is shielded from the intense afternoon sun in very hot climates. An east or west-facing location would be ideal to provide the necessary light conditions without excessive heat.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive winter temperatures down to -30°F and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 75°F. This plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7.
PruningShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' benefits from pruning to shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune up to one-third of the oldest stems annually to rejuvenate the plant. Periodic trimming throughout the growing season can help maintain the desired shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' prefers well-drained loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can create an optimal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every few years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it suitable for average outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Daydawn' is suitable for USDA zones 2-7.
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in late spring when soil temperatures are suitable. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a small shrub, developing a woody stem and foliage in its first growing season. Throughout the following years, 'Daydawn' enters a vegetative state each spring, producing pinnate leaves and expanding its root system. By early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, displaying pale yellow flowers that attract pollinators and may set seed if conditions permit. After the blooming period, the plant readies for dormancy, with foliage dying back in response to shorter days and cooler temperatures in fall. This deciduous shrub completes its life cycle upon reaching maturity, which can encompass several years, after which it gradually senesces and eventually dies, often leaving behind seeds to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is often propagated through softwood cuttings. This is most successfully done in late spring or early summer when new growth is green and flexible but hasn't yet hardened to become woody. To propagate through cuttings, one should cut a healthy stem 4 to 6 inches long, remove the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The stem should then be inserted into a moist potting mixture. A clear plastic bag or cover can be placed over the container to maintain humidity. It is important for the cuttings to be kept in indirect light and for the potting mix to remain moist until roots are established, which generally takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted well, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
