Shrubby cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'New Dawn'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'New Dawn' is a deciduous shrub known for its appealing visual attributes. It has a bushy habit with numerous branches that produce a dense and lush appearance. The foliage of this plant is comprised of small, pinnate leaves that are a vibrant green color, turning to a softer, yellowish hue in the fall before they drop. Each leaf has several leaflets arranged in a feather-like pattern, which adds to the textural interest of the plant. The true charm of 'New Dawn' lies in its flowers. Throughout the blooming season, which typically spans from late spring to late summer, the plant becomes adorned with dainty, cup-shaped blossoms. These flowers are a soft yellow color, fading to near white at the petal edges, and they usually have five petals forming a cheerful, open face. The blooms are modest in size and form clusters throughout the shrub, creating a speckled effect against the green background of the leaves. In addition to its beautiful flowers, the plant has a rugged, yet refined structure with slender woody stems that start off a reddish-brown and mature to a grayish tone. The contrast between the flowers, green leaves, and the bark adds to the visual interest of 'New Dawn'.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Shrubby Five-finger
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa, Shrubby cinquefoil.
ToxicityTo humans
Shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning because it is not known to be poisonous if ingested.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It does not pose a toxicity risk, and there are no recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingestion for common household pets like dogs and cats.
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
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces lovely yellow blossoms that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has good resistance to periods of low water availability.
- Winter Hardiness: Can survive in cold climates, often where other plants might not thrive.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from late spring through to fall, offering extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, aside from occasional pruning.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to many common pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil Adaptability: Grows well in a variety of soil types, from sandy soils to loams and clays.
- Compact Growth Habit: Suits smaller gardens or spaces where a smaller shrub is desired.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Edging and Borders: Ideal for use in garden borders and edges due to its mounded growth habit.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Can be used to reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that may help in preventing oxidative stress.
- Astringent: Can be used for its tightening effect on tissues.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Border Accent: The shrubby cinquefoil 'New Dawn' can be used to provide a splash of color as edging along walkways and borders due to its neat, mound-forming habit.
- Rock Gardens: With its tolerance for poor soil and ability to resist drought once established, shrubby cinquefoil is ideal for rock gardens where its yellow flowers add beauty among the stones.
- Groundcover: 'New Dawn' can serve as a low-maintenance groundcover due to its compact growth and spreading nature.
- Erosion Control: This plant can be used on sloped areas to prevent soil erosion because of its dense and fibrous root system.
- Bonsai: Some garden enthusiasts use shrubby cinquefoil for creating bonsai due to its small leaves and attractive branching patterns.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides shelter and nesting sites for various small animals and birds.
- Winter Interest: When most plants are dormant, the persistent woody structure of shrubby cinquefoil adds visual interest to the winter garden.
- Thematic Landscaping: 'New Dawn' can be included in "sunrise" or "morning" themed gardens, representing the bright start of a day with its yellow blooms.
- Butterfly Gardens: The bright flowers attract butterflies, making it a good addition to butterfly gardens.
- Education: Used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant growth habits, pollination, and the ecological role of native shrub species.
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 hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure challenges and bounce back.
- Perseverance: As a plant that can thrive in poor soil and resist pests, the Shrubby Cinquefoil represents perseverance and the determination to succeed despite obstacles.
- Happiness: With its bright, cheerful flowers, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is often associated with joy and general positivity.
- Simplicity: The simple, yet beautiful flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil suggest a symbolism of simplicity and appreciation for the modest aspects of life.
- New Beginnings: The 'New Dawn' cultivar name adds an element of starting afresh or embarking on new ventures, symbolizing hope and renewal.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil, or Potentilla fruticosa 'New Dawn', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root systems. During the growing season, watering once per week with about 1-2 gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Make sure the soil is well-drained as this plant does not like soggy conditions. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to prevent stress. Cut back on watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and optimal flowering. Areas with afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot climates to prevent excessive heat stress on the plant.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, generally from -30°F to 90°F. It grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, making it an excellent choice for many temperate regions. This shrub is cold-hardy and can withstand frost without significant damage.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil promotes a compact and bushy growth habit and encourages more flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak wood, and shape the plant as desired, cutting back by about one-third of the previous year's growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to maintain the desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe shrubby cinquefoil 'New Dawn' thrives best in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A balanced mix with peat, compost, and perlite or sand improves soil structure and fertility, providing the best conditions for root growth and health.
RepottingThe shrubby cinquefoil 'New Dawn' doesn't require frequent repotting as it is generally grown as an outdoor shrub. It may only need repotting or transplanting if it has outgrown its current space or if soil conditions have deteriorated, typically every few years.
Humidity & MistingShrubby cinquefoil 'New Dawn' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, making it well-suited for diverse climates. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and cooler temps for indoor shrubby cinquefoil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and prune yearly for outdoor growth.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'New Dawn' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates in moist, well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade conditions. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a juvenile plant with distinctive compound, pinnate leaves. As it matures into an adult plant, it produces yellow flowers from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers give way to small, inedible fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'New Dawn' undergoes periods of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the winter. With proper care, the plant can live and thrive for many years, forming a dense, woody shrub with a rounded habit.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
Potentilla fruticosa 'New Dawn', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy parent plant during the late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. The cuttings, typically 4 to 6 inches long, should have several leaves removed at the base to expose the nodes where new roots will form. The base of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mix of perlite and peat moss or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until rooting occurs, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
