Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar', more commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Goldstar', is a deciduous shrub noted for its ornamental features. The plant showcases an abundance of small, five-petaled flowers that have a brilliant yellow hue, which is where it derives the 'Goldstar' in its name. The brightness of the flowers creates a star-like sprinkle throughout the foliage from early summer to the first frosts, offering a long season of visual interest. The foliage of the shrubby cinquefoil 'Goldstar' is made up of small, pinnate leaves that have a fine texture. These leaves are generally a bluish-green or gray-green color and provide a pleasing contrast to the vibrant yellow flowers. The overall appearance of the shrub is dense and bushy with a rounded form, presenting a lush appearance in the landscape. The plant has a somewhat woody stem structure, yet remains fairly compact. During its flowering season, the shrub is quite eye-catching, with its blossoms being a favored feature. The flowers not only offer aesthetic appeal but are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an additional level of activity and interest in a garden setting. Overall, the shrubby cinquefoil 'Goldstar' is admired for its hardiness, and its bright flowers that stand out against the soft, finely textured foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Star Potentilla, Goldstar Potentilla.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Goldstar', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Goldstar', Potentilla fruticosa 'Gold Star'
ToxicityTo humans
Shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-known toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is advisable to avoid ingesting plant parts if you are not certain of their edibility and potential effects on your health.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Just like with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities, and ingestion may sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant matter, but no serious toxic effects are expected.
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
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, possesses lush green foliage that adds texture and color to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant is known for its long blooming season, providing bright yellow flowers from early summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Shrubby Cinquefoil can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, with occasional pruning being sufficient to keep the plant healthy and well-shaped.
- Cold Hardy: This plant can survive in very cold climates, making it an excellent choice for gardens in higher zones where winter temperatures can be severe.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is resistant to a variety of pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Versatility: It can be used in a range of landscaping applications, including foundation plantings, borders, and ground cover.
- Soil Adaptability: It is adaptable to many soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils and can even thrive in poor soils.
- Compact Growth: The 'Goldstar' cultivar maintains a compact and neat growth habit, making it suitable for small spaces and container gardening.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used as a natural dye source, providing various shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- Insectary plantings of Shrubby Cinquefoil attract beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps, which help to control pest populations in gardens and landscapes.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil's dense growth habit makes it suitable for use as a low, informal hedge or a living boundary without the need for frequent pruning.
- Because of its resilience, Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used for erosion control on slopes or in areas with poor soil conditions where other plants might not thrive.
- The plant's stems and foliage can be incorporated into floral arrangements as filler material, providing a natural and rustic look.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil can serve as a food source for wildlife; its seeds are consumed by birds and its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Due to its compact size, Shrubby Cinquefoil works well in rock gardens, providing structure and color contrast with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil can be planted in containers or pots for urban or small space gardening, where ground planting is not an option.
- Because it can withstand trampling to some extent, Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used as a filler plant between stepping stones or in high-traffic areas of a garden.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil's ability to grow in a variety of soil types makes it an ideal candidate for reclaiming and revegetating disturbed sites where soil quality is poor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar', also known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, often symbolizes resilience due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Protection: Historically, cinquefoil was believed to ward off evil. In gardens, Shrubby Cinquefoil may represent a safe haven or protective space.
- Love and Affection: The five-petaled flowers of the cinquefoil have been linked to love and affection, mirroring the five senses or the five fingers of a hand.
- Health: With medicinal uses in some traditional practices, the plant can symbolize health and healing.
- Maternal Love: The nurturing growth habit and the enduring nature of the Shrubby Cinquefoil may represent the steadfast love of a mother.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil should be watered regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In general, aim to water it with about 1 gallon per week, but adjust according to weather conditions—more during hot, dry periods and less during cool, rainy spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help prevent disease. It's crucial not to overwater as standing water can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Shrubby Cinquefoil is quite hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures from below freezing up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, it prefers the cooler end of the spectrum and might suffer in prolonged heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ideal growing conditions are in temperatures that hover between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Shrubby Cinquefoil is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts by removing dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant. It is also beneficial to prune after flowering by cutting back about a third of the branches to spur fresh growth and flowers for the next season. Pruning can be done annually or biannually, as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Goldstar' prefers well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, and it should be fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat, or a perlite mix, works well for providing the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Goldstar' being a shrub, is generally not repotted as it's planted directly in the landscape. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when rootbound is adequate.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Goldstar' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and thrives in average outdoor humidity levels, without needing specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sunlight with well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 2-3 feet apart.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed, which requires stratification or exposure to cold to break dormancy and stimulate germination. Once the seed germinates, typically in spring, a seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic pinnate leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a woody base and can grow into a small, dense, deciduous shrub reaching up to 1-3 feet in height. Throughout the growing season, from late spring to fall, it produces yellow, five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators and may lead to seed production if fertilized. The plant experiences seasonal senescence in autumn where leaves turn colors and fall off as it enters dormancy during the cold months. After several years, usually five to twenty, the Shrubby Cinquefoil reaches the end of its lifecycle, but it may spread through self-sowing or vegetative reproduction with cuttings during its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Goldstar', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when the new growth is still tender but has started to mature. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from the current year's growth, making sure that it includes at least two to three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm area with indirect light. With proper care, roots will begin to develop within a few weeks, and once established, the new shrubs can be transplanted to their desired location in the garden.
