Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Floppy Disc'
ABOUT
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Floppy Disc', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a deciduous shrub that exhibits a robust display of delicate features. The plant boasts small, pinnate leaves with a fine texture, each leaf consisting of multiple leaflets that have a soft and somewhat ferny appearance. Typically, these leaves are a rich green, creating a dense foliage that is visually soothing and serves as a lovely contrast to the blossoms. The flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil are one of its most captivating aspects. They are typically yellow, with a soft, buttery hue that radiates warmth. Each bloom is characterized by five rounded petals that form a simple yet elegant cup shape. The flowers are modest in size and have a cheerful presence that lasts throughout the summer months, often continuing into the early fall. The overall appearance of the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Floppy Disc' is one of charm and durability, providing a continuous splash of color in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Potentilla
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa, Shrubby Cinquefoil.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported for ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
The shrubby cinquefoil is not known to be toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. It is generally regarded as safe, and there are no reports of toxicity or poisoning from ingestion of this plant.
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
Northeastern Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Potentilla fruticosa 'Floppy Disc', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Shrubby Cinquefoil requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerant: It can survive in dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Wildlife Friendly: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, offering small fruits and dense foliage that can be useful for small animals and birds.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, rock gardens, and foundation plantings due to its compact growth habit.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers long blooming seasons, usually from late spring to late summer, with cheerful yellow flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for gardens in colder climates.
- Disease Resistant: Generally resistant to many common plant diseases, which can help reduce the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrub Cinquefoil can be used in miniature gardens; its compact growth is ideal for maintaining scale in small spaces.
- It's suitable for bonsai due to its small leaves and appealing branching habit, creating a charming miniature tree.
- The dense branching provides shelter for small wildlife, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
- The plant can be implemented in erosion control strategies because its root system stabilizes soil on slopes and banks.
- Its flowers can be pressed and utilized in the craft of flower pressing, often used for making bookmarks, cards, or in scrapbooking.
- In colder regions, Shrub Cinquefoil is used as a hardy plant option for creating winter interest, as it retains its structure after foliage drops.
- The plant’s dried branches can be used in rustic decorative wreaths and floral arrangements.
- Its colorful fall foliage makes it a candidate for autumn-themed garden displays and planting designs.
- Edible landscaping incorporates this plant for its aesthetic appeal alongside other edible shrubs and perennials.
- Cinquefoil can act as a living mulch, spreading densely enough to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
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, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a hardy plant thriving in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand life's challenges.
- Protection: With its dense growth habit, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is often used in hedges and seen as a symbolic natural barrier protecting against negative forces.
- Simplicity: Its modest, small yellow flowers suggest simplicity and appreciation for the uncomplicated aspects of life.
- Attraction: The bright blooms attract pollinators, representing attraction and the power to draw beneficial influences into one's life.
- Longevity: The long flowering period of the Shrubby Cinquefoil signifies endurance and the passage of time.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil prefers even moisture but is drought tolerant once established. During the first growing season, water this shrub deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon per plant to ensure a strong root system. After establishment, water it less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to every week, otherwise, every two weeks is adequate. In winter, reduce watering further to account for reduced evaporation and plant activity.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with intense afternoon sun. The ideal location would be in an area where it's exposed to morning sun and partial afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is cold-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many climates. The shrub can also tolerate high temperatures, but it prefers cooler conditions, flourishing between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in hotter regions is beneficial.
PruningShrubby Cinquefoil should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut out any dead or damaged branches and thin out the center to increase air circulation. Pruning every year or two is adequate; however, older shrubs may benefit from more frequent pruning to rejuvenate growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shrubby Cinquefoil prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part peat or compost would provide a balanced medium.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil doesn't require frequent repotting and does well if repotted once every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil is relatively adaptable and doesn't require any special humidity levels, thriving in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, limit watering, and place in a cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Floppy Disc', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed, which will germinate in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. After germination, the seedling emerges, developing primary leaves and a root system to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, where it develops a woody stem, branches, and further foliage, forming a dense shrub habit. Following the vegetative stage, the plant reaches maturity and begins to flower, producing yellow, saucer-shaped blooms that can attract pollinators throughout the growing season, which is typically late spring to late summer. After pollination, fruits develop which contain seeds, completing the reproductive stage of the plant's life cycle. Eventually, as the plant ages, it may experience senescence, where older parts decline, before the plant dies, leaving seeds to continue the species' legacy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Floppy Disc', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is commonly dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one or two leaf nodes are buried where roots will form. The cuttings need a moist environment to take root, so providing a humidity dome or placing them in a lightly shaded area can be beneficial. Roots typically develop within a few weeks after which the new plants can gradually be acclimated to outdoor conditions.
