Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Medicine Wheel Mountain'
ABOUT
'Medicine Wheel Mountain' is a variety of Shrubby Cinquefoil that displays a dense, bushy habit. The plant is adorned with small, pinnate leaves that are made up of multiple leaflets arranged in pairs, displaying a delicate texture. The color of the foliage can be described as a bright green that occasionally turns to a soft yellow or gold in the fall, providing a multi-seasonal interest. The most striking feature of this plant is its plentiful, sunny-yellow flowers. These blossoms have a simple, yet charming appearance, with five rounded petals radiating around a small central eye. 'Medicine Wheel Mountain' flowers persistently throughout summer and into fall, creating long-lasting splashes of color in the landscape. The blooms are nestled among the foliage and can cover the shrub when in peak bloom. As a plant that is both sturdy and adaptable, 'Medicine Wheel Mountain' tends to form into a mounding shape, and it is an attractive addition to a wide range of garden settings. Its ability to endure various conditions makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add reliable and vibrant interest to their garden without having to concern themselves with extensive maintenance. The hardy nature of the Shrubby Cinquefoil allows it to flourish where many other plants might struggle.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Widdy.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla floribunda, Potentilla fruticosa var. pumila, Potentilla fruticosa var. tenuifolia, Potentilla fruticosa var. arbuscula, Potentilla fruticosa var. fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa var. prostrata, Potentilla fruticosa var. typica, Potentilla fruticosa var. monticola, Potentilla fruticosa var. abbottii
ToxicityTo humans
Shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of the plant should not lead to any significant toxic reaction or symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil is typically non-toxic to pets as well. It is not known to cause any harmful effects if pets ingest parts of this plant. Poisoning symptoms are unlikely to occur.
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
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscaping: Shrubby Cinquefoil offers a compact and rounded shape, making it ideal for creating structured garden designs and borders.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being hardy and requires minimal care once established, which makes it suitable for those who want an attractive garden without extensive upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is relatively drought-resistant once established, making it a good choice for dry or xeriscaped gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing a source of nectar and contributing to pollinator health.
- Seasonal Interest: With a long blooming period from early summer to fall, Shrubby Cinquefoil adds color to gardens throughout the seasons.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Shrubby Cinquefoil helps to stabilize soil on slopes and in erosion-prone areas.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for northern climates with harsh winters.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Potentilla shrubby cinquefoil can be used for stabilizing slopes and controlling erosion thanks to its robust root system.
- The plant is employed in butterfly gardens as it provides nectar for various species of butterflies and other pollinators.
- Shrubby cinquefoil is sometimes utilized in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- The dense and compact growth habit of the shrubby cinquefoil makes it suitable for creating low hedges or borders in garden designs.
- Because of its resistance to many diseases and pests, the shrubby cinquefoil is often used in plantings where minimal maintenance is desired.
- It can serve as a companion plant, helping to protect nearby plants that are more susceptible to pests and diseases.
- The plant's bright yellow flowers are used in dried flower arrangements, maintaining their color well after drying.
- Shrubby cinquefoil's foliage turns an attractive coppery-orange in the fall, providing seasonal garden interest.
- When planted en masse, shrubby cinquefoil can create a colorful ground cover, especially in rock gardens or alpine settings.
- The long flowering period of the shrubby cinquefoil makes it an excellent choice for adding enduring summer color to public spaces such as parks and roadside plantings.
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- Survival and Resilience: The Potentilla, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, often grows in challenging environments like mountainsides, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite hardships.
- Protection: Historically, the Potentilla has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, representing a symbol of protection and care.
- Attraction and Charm: With its bright, showy flowers, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is often associated with allure and the power of attracting good things.
- Harmony and Balance: The near-perfect five-petal symmetry of its flowers is emblematic of balance and harmony in one's life.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil should be watered deeply to ensure the roots are adequately moistened, generally about once a week, though you may need to adjust depending on weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1-2 gallons of water every week during its first growing season to help establish the plant. For established Shrubby Cinquefoil, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry, reducing frequency to once every couple of weeks or less when the plant is dormant in winter. Drought conditions may require increased watering, but always allow soil to dry out between watering cycles to prevent root rot.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to perform best. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal sunlight. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives clear, unfiltered sunlight throughout the majority of the day with some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -30°F, making it suitable for many climates. It can also tolerate high temperatures but performs best when summer temperatures do not consistently exceed 85°F. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges from 60°F to 75°F.
PruningPrune Shrubby Cinquefoil in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth. It can be pruned to remove dead branches and to maintain a desired size or shape. Pruning should be done annually, as this plant can become woody and overgrown without regular maintenance. The best time to prune is just before the plant breaks dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best soil mix for this plant would include equal parts garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Mulching will help maintain moisture and temperature stability.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil, being a hardy shrub, does not need frequent repotting. It is typically planted in the ground rather than pots and will not require repotting. It is usually sufficient to replace the mulch and top-dress the soil periodically to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require a specific humidity level to thrive. It is naturally found in various environments and can tolerate both dry and moist air as long as it is planted in suitable soil and has proper drainage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good drainage, and don't overwater.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA.
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Medicine Wheel Mountain', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, with the young plant developing a strong root system. It then enters a vegetative stage where it produces a mounding form of small, green pinnately compound leaves. During late spring to summer, the plant reaches maturity and blooms, showcasing numerous small, bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry, inedible fruits that contain seeds, thereby completing the reproductive stage. As fall approaches, the plant may exhibit less vigor and growth, with foliage sometimes turning a reddish color before entering a period of dormancy in winter. With the onset of the next spring, Shrubby Cinquefoil resumes growth from its perennial woody base, beginning a new cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Medicine Wheel Mountain', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to harden. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect sunlight until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes a few weeks.
