Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety', also known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, features a dense and bushy appearance with numerous branches covered in small, pinnate leaves. The foliage presents a deep green color, which offers a lush background for the bright flowers. Blossoming profusely over a long period, this variety of Shrubby Cinquefoil produces an abundance of buttery yellow flowers with a distinct five-petal arrangement, resembling those of wild roses, radiating around a central cluster of yellow stamens. The petals are broadly rounded, creating an open, saucer-like shape that is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. Each flower is borne singularly or in small clusters at the tips of the branches, giving the plant a speckled appearance of gold against green. This resilient shrub maintains a rounded and compact form, with a fine texture, making it an attractive ornamental choice for garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Widdy.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety', Potentilla floribunda 'Jackman's Variety'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Shrubby Cinquefoil is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning or adverse health effects if pets ingest parts 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
2-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Potentilla fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety' features vibrant yellow flowers that add color and visual interest to the landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: This shrub has a lengthy blooming season, often from early summer to the first frost, providing extended beauty in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving in cold climates, which makes it a good choice for gardens in regions with harsh winters.
- Deer Resistant: The shrub is not a preferred food source for deer, which helps protect it from grazing in areas where deer are common.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners who have limited time for upkeep.
- Versatile Landscaping Plant: Its compact size and rounded shape make it ideal for use in borders, foundation plantings, or as a ground cover.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide a food source for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Tolerant of Various Soil Types: It can grow in a range of soil conditions, from sandy to loamy to clay, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Potentilla fruticosa is used traditionally to reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: The plant contains tannins and has been used as an astringent for treating wounds and hemorrhages.
- Antiseptic: It has been used historically for its antiseptic properties to clean and disinfect wounds.
- Gastrointestinal aid: It is used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues due to its astringent effects.
- Oral health: Used in mouthwashes and gargles for treating sore throats and gum diseases.
- Diuretic: Traditionally used to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrub Cinquefoil can be used in the craft of natural dyeing, producing a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- The dense, fine-textured foliage of the Shrub Cinquefoil makes it suitable for topiary or formal hedge designs in landscape artistry.
- Its durability under various soil conditions allows the Shrub Cinquefoil to be used in erosion control projects, stabilizing banks and slopes.
- The plant's low maintenance and compact growth habit make it an effective ground cover to suppress weeds in garden settings.
- The branches of Shrub Cinquefoil can be used in floral arrangements, particularly in winter because of their structure and hardiness.
- It can serve as a companion plant in orchards to attract pollinators, thus improving fruit set of nearby trees.
- As a pioneer species, the Shrub Cinquefoil can be planted in reclaimed areas, like old mines, to start the process of ecological succession.
- The pinnately compound leaves can be used in environmental education to teach leaf structure and plant identification techniques.
- Because of its ability to tolerate cold, it can be used in research studies focusing on plant responses to frost and freeze events.
- The shrub's dense growth provides refuge and nesting sites for small wildlife, enhancing biodiversity within its planted area.
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 known for its hardy nature, thriving in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and stand strong in the face of adversity.
- Charm and Attraction - With its bright yellow flowers, Shrubby Cinquefoil often symbolizes attraction and charm, capturing attention with its cheerful presence.
- Protection - In some cultures, Shrubby Cinquefoil is believed to possess protective properties, guarding against negativity and harm.
- Health and Wellness - Historically, Potentilla fruticosa has been associated with health and wellness due to its medicinal uses, symbolizing a wish for good health and healing.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil, commonly known as 'Jackman's Variety,' prefers even moisture but can tolerate some drought. Water young plants deeply to establish an extensive root system, using about 1 gallon of water per week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Mature shrubs require less frequent watering. In the absence of rain, water every two weeks, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly soaked. Adjust amounts and frequency during extremely hot or dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging the plant.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It is versatile and performs well when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also handle some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates where intense sun might stress the plant.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range. This plant can survive winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer temperatures well into the 90s. Ideally, Shrubby Cinquefoil prefers the moderate temperatures of spring and fall, but it's exceptionally resilient and adaptable to various climates.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil helps maintain its shape and encourages more prolific blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out about one-third of the old stems to rejuvenate the plant. Additionally, light trimming after the first bloom can promote a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Jackman's Variety' prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would be a blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite to improve drainage. Adding organic matter like compost will also encourage healthy growth and blooming.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Jackman's Variety' does not generally require frequent repotting as it is most often grown outdoors. It can be repotted into a larger container if grown in a pot and has become root-bound or when refreshing the soil every few years to maintain nutrient levels.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Jackman's Variety' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and thrives in outdoor environments where humidity levels are naturally regulated. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in its preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and sparse watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA.
Life cycleShrubby cinquefoil 'Jackman's Variety' begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that requires stratification, a period of cold to break dormancy, before germination in the spring. After sprouting, the seedling stage is characterized by initial leaf production and root establishment. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant develops a woody base and branches, along with more mature leaves. The mature phase sees the shrubby cinquefoil 'Jackman's Variety' producing bright yellow flowers during the summer, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small, dry fruits containing seeds. After the flowering season, the plant enters a period of senescence in late fall where growth slows and above-ground parts may die back, especially in colder climates. Finally, the cycle can start anew as seeds overwinter and germinate when conditions are appropriate.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Potentilla fruticosa 'Jackman's Variety', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This involves taking cuttings in late spring or early summer when new growth is about 3-5 inches long, but before the wood has hardened. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and include several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the base of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix and kept under conditions with high humidity and indirect light until they root, typically in a few weeks. Once rooted, the plants can be gradually hardened off and eventually planted out.
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