Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys', also known as the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Maanelys', is a compact, deciduous shrub with a bushy habit, displaying an attractive mound of foliage. Its leaves are small, divided into five to seven narrow leaflets with a bright green color, which gives the plant a fine-textured appearance. The name 'Maanelys' translates to 'Moonlight' in Danish, reflecting the light-colored blooms it presents. Throughout the blooming season, which typically spans from late spring to late summer or early fall, the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Maanelys' is adorned with an abundance of dainty, saucer-shaped flowers. Each flower showcases five petals arrayed in a symmetrical pattern. These blossoms are a pale yellow or cream color, sometimes described as moonlight yellow, adding to the luminous quality that the cultivar's name suggests. These cheerful flowers contrast nicely against the green foliage, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. The dense growth and sprays of flowers can make this shrub a focal point in landscaping, offering a long-lasting display of color and texture. After flowering, small, dry fruit may form, which is typically not a significant ornamental feature. Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Maanelys' is often appreciated for its durability, adaptability to a range of soil types, and resistance to pests and diseases. It maintains a tidy appearance without requiring extensive pruning, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. This particular cultivar is suitable for use in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and as ground cover, bringing a splash of delicate color and structure to the garden scene.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Tundra Rose, Golden Hardhack.
Common names
Potentilla fruticosa 'Manly', Dasiphora fruticosa 'Maanelys'.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) 'Maanelys' is not known to be toxic to humans. As with any plant, ingesting parts of shrubby cinquefoil may cause discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals, but there is no widespread documentation of significant toxicity or poisonous consequences directly associated with this plant.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) 'Maanelys' is also not known to be toxic to pets. While individual animals may have sensitivity or allergic reactions to any plant, including shrubby cinquefoil, there are no well-documented cases of toxicity resulting from the ingestion of parts of this plant in pets. However, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants, as even non-toxic plants can cause gastrointestinal upset.
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: Produces bright yellow flowers that can add color and visual interest to a garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is very drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.
- Hardiness: It can survive in USDA zones 2 through 7, making it a robust choice for a variety of climates.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Deer Resistant: Generally not preferred by deer, hence less likely to suffer from deer damage.
- Long Blooming: Provides a long season of blooming from late spring to late summer or early fall, offering extended visual appeal.
- Soil Adaptability: Can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy and even in poor soils, provided they are well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Shrubby cinquefoil can be used to produce a natural dye from its roots, which imparts a yellow or reddish color.
- Tannin Source: The bark contains tannin that can be used for tanning leather.
- Control Erosion: Due to its robust root system, shrubby cinquefoil is excellent for stabilizing soils and preventing erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals.
- Ornamental Crafting: Dried branches can be used in floral arrangements and wreaths.
- Indicator Species: In certain ecosystems, the presence of shrubby cinquefoil can indicate the health of the environment or the soil composition.
- Education: Plant enthusiasts and botany students may use shrubby cinquefoil to study plant morphology and adaptation.
- Photography: The plant, with its bright yellow flowers, makes an attractive subject for nature and garden photography.
- Boundary Planting: Shrubby cinquefoil can be used to delineate property lines or as part of a managed hedgerow.
- Winter Garden Interest: Its structure and dried flower heads add visual interest to gardens in the winter months.
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 fruticosa 'Maanelys', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is recognized for its ability to withstand tough conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and survival.
- Simplicity: The simple, yet bright flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil are often associated with purity and modesty, embodying uncomplicated beauty.
- Health: Traditionally used in herbal medicine, the Shrubby Cinquefoil has come to represent health and healing.
- Attraction: With its attractive yellow flowers, the plant symbolizes the power of attraction and the brightness of nature's beauty.
- Longevity: The plant's ability to live for many years and continually produce flowers is emblematic of long life and enduring presence.
WaterThe shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys') should be watered deeply once a week during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. After establishment, it generally needs watering only during prolonged dry spells. Always ensure that the soil is dry on the surface before watering again to avoid overwatering. Apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time you water the plant, ensuring it reaches the root zone.
LightShrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys') thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal location would provide at least six hours of sunlight daily, promoting full, bushy growth and an abundance of blooms during the flowering season.
TemperatureShrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys') is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, withstanding lows down to approximately -30 degrees Fahrenheit and tolerating high summer heat. The optimal temperature range for maintaining robust health and flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningShrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys') benefits from pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead branches and thin out overgrown areas. It can be pruned annually or biennially as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil prefers well-drained, loamy soil with an acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced mix of soil, peat, and sand or perlite can provide good drainage and aeration. Amending garden soil with organic matter will enhance its structure and fertility, which is beneficial for healthy growth.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil does not require frequent repotting and generally only needs it when it has outgrown its current container or every 3-4 years. It's best to repot in the early spring before new growth begins if necessary.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil is adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions for optimal growth. This makes it an easy-care plant in various climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide sunny spot, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed which, under the right conditions of soil temperature and moisture, will germinate to establish a small seedling. The seedling develops into a juvenile plant, focusing energy on root and foliage growth, until it reaches a mature phase where it begins to produce flowers - typically small, yellow, and five-petaled. After pollination, often by insects, the plant forms fruits that contain seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Shrubby Cinquefoil is a perennial, thus this reproductive phase occurs annually, with the plant entering a dormant period in winter when above-ground growth ceases due to cold temperatures. In spring, as temperatures rise and days lengthen, the plant breaks dormancy, resuming growth and preparing for another flowering and seed production cycle. Over time, the plant may spread vegetatively through its roots, forming larger clumps and potentially living for many years as it continues to repeat this life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Maanelys', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer, when the new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches long is taken, the lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, watered adequately, and often placed under a humidity dome or in a propagator to maintain a high humidity environment. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.
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