Shrubby cinquefoil 'Manchu' Potentilla fruticosa 'Manchu'
ABOUT
'Manchu' is is a low, spreading deciduous shrub to 30cm tall, with silvery-green leaves and white flowers throughout the summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Manchu Cinquefoil, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Potentilla.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa.
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- Easy to Grow: Potentilla fruticosa 'Manchu', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is known for its ease of cultivation, able to thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Shrubby Cinquefoil exhibits good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces a long-lasting display of flowers, often from late spring to late autumn, adding prolonged visual interest to the garden.
- Cold Hardy: This plant has an excellent cold tolerance, making it a good choice for northern climates and cold-hardy gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Disease Resistance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally resistant to many diseases that commonly affect garden plants, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscaping designs such as border plantings, ground covers, and rock gardens.
- Minimal Maintenance: The plant typically requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood.
- Decorative Fruit: In addition to its attractive flowers, Shrubby Cinquefoil produces small, decorative fruits that can provide winter interest in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is considered to be relatively deer resistant, making it a good option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
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 for fabrics, yielding varying shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- It's often incorporated into xeriscaping designs due to its drought resistance, aiding in water conservation efforts.
- Because of its dense growth habit, Shrubby Cinquefoil is effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes or banks.
- It provides a hardy option for creating low, living fences or borders without the need for frequent maintenance.
- The plant's capacity to withstand cold temperatures makes it a popular choice for adding year-round interest to rock gardens in colder climates.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil is sometimes used in bonsai culture, appreciated for its small leaves and ability to be shaped.
- Its branches can be used in floral arrangements as filler foliage, offering a wild, rustic look to the composition.
- The dense foliage and flowers can provide a modest habitat for beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shrubby Cinquefoil’s nectar and pollen-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- The plant is used in horticultural therapy programs for its ease of care, providing an accessible gardening experience to individuals with different abilities.
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 'Manchu', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a hardy plant that can survive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist through challenges.
- Attraction: With its bright yellow flowers, Shrubby Cinquefoil is often associated with attraction and the power to draw positive things into one's life.
- Protection: In traditional folklore, Potentilla species were used in protective charms, representing safety and defense against harm.
- Harmony: The balanced growth habit and prolific flowering of Shrubby Cinquefoil symbolize harmony and stability in life.
- Health: Historically, parts of the Potentilla plant have been used in herbal remedies, signifying healing and good health.
- Maternal Care: The nurturing way this plant spreads and cares for its flowers and seeds has been likened to maternal instincts, representing care and nurturance.
WaterShrubby cinquefoil should be watered regularly but with moderation, aiming for moist, well-drained soil. During the first growing season, establish the plant with deep watering once a week, using about 1 gallon of water per plant to encourage deep root growth. Once established, it's more drought tolerant and may need water every two weeks, especially in dry conditions. Always check the soil before watering; if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. In hotter climates or during extreme heat, increase watering frequency to prevent stress.
LightShrubby cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would be somewhere that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can also perform well with a bit of afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can lead to poor blooming and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureShrubby cinquefoil is quite hardy, tolerating temperature extremes. It can survive in minimum temperatures as low as -40°F, and is cold-hardy in USDA zones 2 through 7. The plant prefers a range of 60-70°F for optimal growth but will withstand summer highs well above this range. Avoid exposure to high temperatures without adequate moisture.
PruningPrune shrubby cinquefoil in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out the plant to allow light and air to penetrate the center. It can also be lightly pruned after flowering to promote a second bloom. Pruning frequency can be annual or biennial, depending on the plant's vigor and desired form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Manchu' prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a mixture of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat moss for organic content. The ideal pH for this plant should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Manchu' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 4 years. It is important to repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Manchu' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity. It does not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown in its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide ample light, periodic watering, and good drainage for 'Manchu'.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-drained soil, water regularly, and prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Manchu', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed which, after a period of dormancy, germinates in spring. Seedlings establish a root system and begin to produce the characteristic compound leaves, followed by rapid vegetative growth and the development of a woody stem. In its early years, the plant focuses on growth, achieving a mature, bushy structure with multiple stems and reaching up to 1-3 feet in height. From late spring to early fall, Shrubby Cinquefoil produces five-petaled, bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators and subsequent cross-pollination results in the formation of small, inedible fruit containing seeds. After the flowering season, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, shedding leaves and conserving energy. This perennial shrub can live for many years, going through annual cycles of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Manchu', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This method is usually carried out in late spring or early summer. To propagate by this means, one would cut a piece of the stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure that there are at least two or three leaf nodes present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to improve chances of successful rooting. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the surface. A plastic cover or a propagation dome can help maintain humidity levels and ensure a better environment for rooting. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted to a permanent location.
