Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa (Sulphurascens Group) 'Longacre Variety'
ABOUT
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Longacre', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is an ornamental plant that boasts a dense, bushy habit with numerous stems branching from the base. The stems are covered with small, pinnate (feather-like) leaves that are a bright green color, providing a lush background for the flowers. The foliage often takes on a warm, yellowish tint, which complements the floral display. Flowering prolifically, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is adorned with an abundance of bright yellow flowers, each composed of five rounded petals forming a delicate cup shape. These golden-hued blooms contrast beautifully against the green foliage and can be found covering the plant throughout the warmer months, usually from early summer to the arrival of frost. The blossoms are not only a visual delight but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to the garden. The plant has a hardy nature and is often used in landscape design for its continuous bloom and vibrant color, which it maintains without the need to deadhead the spent flowers. Its appearance is well-suited for mixed borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover where it can spread to fill in spaces with its cheerful yellow flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Potentilla, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Longacre', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Longacre', Potentilla fruticosa 'Longacre'
ToxicityTo humans
The Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or adverse health effects. It's generally considered safe around people.
To pets
Shrubby Cinquefoil is also not considered toxic to pets. It should not cause any symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals. Therefore, it is generally regarded as safe for pets and poses minimal risk if they come into contact with or consume the 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
2-8
Native area
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Low maintenance: 'Longacre' is known for being a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established.
- Drought resistant: It can tolerate periods of low water, making it ideal for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- All-season interest: This shrubby cinquefoil variety offers bright yellow flowers throughout summer and often into fall, as well as attractive foliage.
- Adaptable to various soils: It can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Wildlife friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Cold hardy: It withstands cold temperatures well, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Compact size: Its small to medium size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a border plant.
- Deer resistant: 'Longacre' is not a preferred food source for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Easy to propagate: It can be easily propagated by cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The shrubby cinquefoil 'Longacre' can be used in dye production; its stems and leaves contain tannins that can create a range of dye colors.
- This plant variety is effective in soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes due to its dense and fibrous root system.
- It serves as an excellent choice for creating low-maintenance, drought-resistant hedge borders in gardens.
- Shrubby cinquefoil 'Longacre' is suitable for bonsai cultivation, allowing gardeners to create miniature landscapes.
- The dense growth habit of this plant makes it a favorable shelter for small wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Its flowers can be used as a natural source of yellow to greenish dyes for fabrics and crafting materials.
- The plant can be incorporated into sensory gardens because of its soft, fine-textured foliage and bright flowers.
- Shrubby cinquefoil 'Longacre' can be utilized in xeriscaping, a landscape design that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- This variety can be used as a living mulch to cover the ground and suppress weeds due to its spreading habit.
- The plant is suitable for addition to floral arrangements and wreaths in its dried form for rustic and natural decoration.
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- Hardiness: Potentilla, also known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is known for its hardy nature, representing resilience and the ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Simplicity: The simple, yet cheerful appearance of Shrubby Cinquefoil's flowers symbolizes an appreciation for the uncomplicated aspects of life.
- Humility: Shrubby Cinquefoil is not as flashy as other garden blooms, and its modest presentation is often associated with humility.
- Longevity: With its ability to bloom throughout the season, Shrubby Cinquefoil symbolizes long-lasting life, endurance, and persistence.
- Maternal Affection: In certain cultures, the five petals of the shrubby cinquefoil flower are thought to represent a mother's care and the nurturing of family bonds.
- Protection: Historically, some believed that cinquefoil plants could ward off evil, thus representing protection and safety.
- Wisdom: Due to its medicinal uses, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is sometimes linked to wisdom, especially in traditional healing practices.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' should be watered deeply to ensure a good soak at the root zone. Generally, it should be watered every week, but during hot and dry periods, the frequency should be increased to every 3-4 days. Ensure that you are providing about 1 gallon of water for each watering session to adequately moisten the soil without causing waterlogging. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture due to cooler temperatures and potentially increased natural precipitation.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade, preferring a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Although it can tolerate light shade, the plant will produce more flowers and have a healthier growth when provided with ample sunlight. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this will limit its flowering and may contribute to leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' is quite hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -30°F to as high as 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for the plant to grow healthily is between 60°F and 75°F. It is winter-hardy in regions with harsh winters and can survive even when temperatures plummet below freezing.
PruningShrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' benefits from pruning to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth, which can be done annually. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune up to one-third of the older stems back to the ground to stimulate fresh growth and to maintain a desirable size and form. Deadheading the spent flowers will also encourage blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, which is mildly acidic to neutral. A soil mix that includes equal parts garden soil, peat or compost, and sand or perlite would be optimal to ensure proper drainage and fertility for healthy growth.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' is a garden shrub and typically does not require repotting as it is not normally grown in containers. Planting in the ground will negate the need for repotting; however, if grown in a pot, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its present container is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Longacre' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It thrives in outdoor conditions where the humidity naturally fluctuates and can adapt to the local climate without the need for adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; needs full sun, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water regularly when established.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Longacre', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed, often requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a small bush, with pinnate leaves and a well-branched root system. The plant enters a vegetative growth phase, focusing on leaf and stem development; during this stage, it can tolerate a variety of soil types, but thrives in well-drained conditions. After reaching maturity, Shrubby Cinquefoil produces yellow, buttercup-like flowers from early summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, inedible, dry fruit called achenes. The plant can live for many years, often experiencing a die-back in winter before regrowing from the base in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Longacre', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a deciduous shrub that is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This process typically happens in late spring to early summer when new growth is tender but still able to snap when bent. To propagate 'Longacre' via cuttings, one would cut a section of the softwood stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring that there are at least two or three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept moist and in indirect sunlight until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
