Shrubby cinquefoil 'Elizabeth' Potentilla fruticosa (Sulphurascens Group) 'Elizabeth'

Water

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Elizabeth') should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, often requiring about 1 inch of water per week. The actual amount may vary based on climate and soil conditions. During the growing season, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, checking at least once a week. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to prevent stress. It is beneficial to reduce watering as the plant becomes established and during the dormant winter months. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but allow it to dry slightly between waterings.

Light

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Elizabeth') thrives in full sun and will perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade may reduce the number of flowers and cause the plant to become leggy. Plant your shrubby cinquefoil in a spot where it can receive unobstructed sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.

Temperature

The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Elizabeth') is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 7. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth would be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a resilient plant that can also manage in higher summer temperatures as long as it is well-watered.

Pruning

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Elizabeth') requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the shrub to allow light into the center. Pruning immediately after the bloom period can also encourage a second bloom in some cases.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Elizabeth' thrives best in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic compost. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A simple yet effective mix would be one part loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or aged manure to maintain fertility and good drainage.

Repotting

Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Elizabeth' should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure it has enough room to grow. Repotting is best done in the early spring before new growth begins, allowing the plant to establish in the new soil mix before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Elizabeth' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers an average to low humidity environment. It is adaptable to the moisture levels typically found in outdoor settings and does not require any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; no special humidity needed.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil; hardy.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

The Potentilla fruticosa 'Elizabeth' commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed which, upon germination in suitable soil and climate conditions, develops into a young seedling. As the seedling establishes, it grows into a bushy, perennial shrub with woody stems, reaching up to 2-4 feet in height. It enters the vegetative stage, producing pinnate leaves with five leaflets and a soft, downy texture. The reproductive stage follows, with 'Elizabeth' blooming in summer, producing bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers that attract pollinators essential for its sexual reproduction. After pollination, fruits in the form of small, hard achenes develop and, once mature, disperse to enable the next generation of plants. Over the years, the plant may spread through vegetative propagation or self-seed to create new plants, completing its life cycle, while individual shrubs can live and thrive for several years with proper care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer

• The Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, 'Elizabeth', is most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when new growth is still soft and flexible. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long are taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium such as a mixture of peat and perlite. They should be placed in a warm, humid environment under indirect light until they have formed roots, which usually occurs within a few weeks. After successful root establishment, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and transplanted to their final growing location.