Shrubby cinquefoil 'Penny White' Potentilla fruticosa 'Penny White'
ABOUT
'Penny White' is a large bushy deciduous shrub with small white flowers over a long period from late spring to autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Potentilla
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Easy maintenance: Potentilla fruticosa 'Penny White', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, generally requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought tolerance: This plant is quite drought-resistant, which means it can survive in dry conditions with little water once mature.
- Long blooming period: Shrubby Cinquefoil offers a long season of bloom, often from late spring to frost, providing extended visual interest.
- Cold hardiness: It is very cold-hardy and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, which helps in the pollination of gardens and benefits the local ecosystem.
- Deer resistance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Versatility: It can be used in various landscape applications such as foundation plantings, borders, and hedges.
- Compact size: With its moderate growth habit, it fits well into smaller gardens without overwhelming the space.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, may have compounds that reduce inflammation, though specific research on 'Penny White' may be limited.
- Astringent: The plant has traditionally been used for its astringent properties, which help to contract and tighten tissues.
- Antiseptic: Potentilla fruticosa extracts have been used for their antiseptic properties in traditional medicine.
- Diuretic: The plant may promote the excretion of urine and has been used for urinary tract issues in folk medicine.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Shrubby Cinquefoil's delicate white flowers and lush foliage make it an excellent subject for nature and garden photography, lending a soft, romantic backdrop to close-up shots.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Shrubby Cinquefoil as a reference for botanical illustration, capturing its form and color for art pieces.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common practice, the flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used as edible decorations to embellish salads and desserts with a touch of elegance.
- Educational Tool: Shrubby Cinquefoil can be utilized in botany classes to study plant morphology and taxonomy, demonstrating characteristics of the Rosaceae family.
- Winter Garden Interest: Because of its resistance to cold and maintenance of structure, the dried seed heads and persistent foliage provide visual interest in winter landscapes.
- Thematic Gardening: May be included in 'white gardens' or moon gardens, designed to be particularly attractive in the evening or under moonlight.
- Fauna Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds and beneficial insects within its dense foliage.
- Erosion Control: Can be planted on slopes to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its fibrous root system.
- Events Decoration: Branches of Shrubby Cinquefoil can be cut and incorporated into floral arrangements or bouquets for weddings and other events.
- Bonsai: With appropriate training and care, Shrubby Cinquefoil can be cultivated as a bonsai, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy its miniature landscape aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe shrubby cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a hardy plant that can withstand difficult conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure challenges.
- Protection: In herbal and folk traditions, cinquefoils have been used as ingredients in protective charms and spells, representing safety and defense.
- Good Luck: With its five-petaled flowers, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is associated with the number five, which many cultures consider lucky.
- Love and Devotion: Historical associations between the plant's long-lasting blooms and enduring relationships make it a symbol of commitment and fidelity.
WaterFor the Shrubby Cinquefoil, early morning is the best time for watering to allow the plant to dry out during the day. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth; about once a week is sufficient for established plants, though newly planted ones may require more frequent watering. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Adjust the amount of water during hot, dry periods or if your Shrubby Cinquefoil is planted in sandy soil, as it may require additional water. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun to part shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight being ideal. Choose a spot in the garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day to encourage the best flowering. However, in regions with particularly hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, typically between -30°F and 90°F. Ideally, it prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. Ensure planting sites are well-draining to prevent frost heave in areas with severe winter temperatures.
PruningPrune your Shrubby Cinquefoil in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning maintains the shape, encourages new growth, and enhances flowering. Remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches to promote air circulation. Pruning can be done annually, with more extensive pruning every few years to rejuvenate older plants. The best time for heavier pruning is after the plant has finished blooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor the Shrubby Cinquefoil, use a well-draining soil mix with peat, compost, and perlite or sand; pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5).
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil, being a hardy shrub, typically doesn't require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every few years if grown in a container.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil is adaptable but prefers average humidity levels; it is generally tolerant of a range of humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Penny White' Potentilla, also known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle with seed germination in spring, following a period of stratification to break seed dormancy. As a perennial, it establishes a woody base and root system in its first year, producing a small amount of foliage. Over the next few years, the plant matures, growing in size and producing more foliage, with stems becoming woody and shrub-like. By early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, featuring small, white, five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators and may continue to bloom cyclically until the first frosts of autumn. Throughout its life, 'Penny White' undergoes seasonal cycles of growth in spring and summer, followed by dieback of the herbaceous parts in fall and winter, while the woody parts remain intact. The plant can live for many years, sometimes decades, with the proper care and in suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Potentilla fruticosa 'Penny White', widely known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, can be propagated most effectively by semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is typically performed in late summer. To propagate this way, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two sets of leaf nodes are buried. The pot is kept under a humidity dome or plastic cover to maintain moisture and left in a warm place with indirect light. With proper care, roots will develop within a few weeks, and the new Shrubby Cinquefoil plants can be transplanted the following spring.
