Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Pretty Polly'
ABOUT
'Pretty Polly' is a charming variety whose appearance is marked by an abundance of beautiful, small yellow flowers that carry a warm and inviting look throughout its blooming season. The flowers are often described as being sunny, with a rich and bright color that stands out in any garden space. Each petal is delicate and arranged in a simple, yet elegant, cup-like formation. The foliage of 'Pretty Polly' is equally attractive, composed of small, green leaves that have a fine-textured appearance. The leaves are often pinnate or divided into smaller leaflets, creating a feathery effect that adds to the plant's overall soft and plush appearance. This fine texture contrasts nicely with the round and puffy yellow flowers, providing a backdrop that makes the blooms stand out even more. Branches spread out to create a bushy and full appearance, lending the plant a lush and verdant aspect. These branches can also provide a somewhat sprawling structure which gives 'Pretty Polly' a relaxed and informal silhouette. This makes it an excellent choice for adding softness to garden designs where it can blend harmoniously with other plants or stand out as a feature on its own. Overall, 'Pretty Polly' presents a cheerful and robust display of blooms against a tapestry of rich greenery. It is this joyful and vigorous appearance that makes it a beloved choice for gardens looking to add a splash of brightness and a touch of natural, easy-going beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Potentilla, Pretty Polly
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant isn't usually associated with serious poisoning or severe symptoms. As with any plant, individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort could occur if ingested in large amounts. Always exercise caution and avoid eating plants unless they are known to be safe and intended for human consumption.
To pets
Shrubby Cinquefoil is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around animals, and ingestion of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or severe adverse effects. However, as with humans, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consuming plant material can sometimes cause mild 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
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Potentilla fruticosa 'Pretty Polly' does not require extensive upkeep, making it ideal for gardeners seeking plants with minimal care requirements.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of low water availability, which is beneficial in dry regions or for water conservation efforts.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, adding to the biodiversity of the garden environment.
- Long Blooming: This plant has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Cold Hardy: It's capable of surviving in colder climates, which makes it suitable for gardens in higher zones where other plants might not thrive.
- Deer Resistant: The shrub is not typically favored by deer, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife browsing.
- Wide Range of Uses: It can be used for various landscaping purposes, including as a border plant, groundcover, or in rock gardens.
- Compact Growth: With its relatively small size, it fits well into smaller gardens or spaces without overwhelming the area.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Potentilla fruticosa 'Pretty Polly', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, has been traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antiseptic: The plant may have antiseptic qualities which have been historically used to treat minor wounds and skin conditions.
- Astringent: The astringent properties of Shrubby Cinquefoil are used in herbal medicine to possibly tighten tissues and reduce bleeding.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The roots of Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used to produce a yellow or reddish dye for coloring fabrics or other materials.
- Insect Repellent: Some gardeners use Shrubby Cinquefoil as a natural insect repellent by planting it near vegetable gardens or outdoor seating areas.
- Erosion Control: Because of its hardy and spreading nature, Shrubby Cinquefoil is effective in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Livestock Forage: In some regions, Shrubby Cinquefoil is used as a foraging plant for livestock, especially goats, although it is not the most nutritional fodder.
- Photography: The bright, pretty flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil are often used as subjects for botanical photography and art due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Floral Arrangements: Its long-lasting flowers make Shrubby Cinquefoil a good choice for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Garden Borders: The compact growth habit of Shrubby Cinquefoil makes it suitable for creating low borders in garden landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Shrubby Cinquefoil provides shelter and nesting sites for various insects, birds, and small mammals within its dense foliage.
- Fall Interest: The foliage of some varieties of Shrubby Cinquefoil changes color in the fall, providing seasonal visual interest in gardens.
- Education: Because it is easy to grow and maintain, Shrubby Cinquefoil is sometimes used in educational settings to teach about plant care and gardening basics.
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- Endurance: Potentilla, also known as 'Cinquefoil', often symbolizes strength and resilience as it is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions.
- Protection: Historically, Cinquefoil has been used in herbal and magical practices for its protective properties, believed to ward off negative energies.
- Maternal Care: The nurturing growth habit and the way Cinquefoil envelops the surrounding area may symbolize motherly love and care.
- Wisdom: In heraldry, Cinquefoil is sometimes used to symbolize wisdom and is associated with the number five, considered significant in many cultures for its symbolic meaning.
- Harmony: The symmetrical structure of the Cinquefoil flowers, often with five petals, can stand for balance and harmony in nature and life.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to establish a strong root system, especially during its first growing season. After that, it prefers consistent moisture, but established plants are relatively drought-tolerant. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot, dry periods, water the plant every few days to maintain soil moisture. It's best to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot in the garden that gets morning sun and partial afternoon shade would be optimal, but the plant is adaptable and can still perform well with a bit more shade.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7. Ideally, Shrubby Cinquefoil performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' is done to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back about one-third of the old branches to stimulate fresh growth and maintain a compact form. Annual pruning ensures the plant remains vigorous and produces abundant blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' prefers well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for this plant.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' does not need to be repotted often; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Pretty Polly' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and will do well in the average outdoor humidity without specific requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, cool temperatures, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycle'Pretty Polly', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in spring, develops into a small seedling with a few leaves. As it grows, it forms a woody, multi-branched shrub, typically reaching 1-3 feet tall and wide, with a dense foliage of small, pinnately compound leaves. Throughout spring and summer, it blooms prolifically with buttery yellow, five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators and then produces small, inedible fruit in the form of dry achenes. After blooming, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth and consolidation in preparation for winter. In autumn, 'Pretty Polly' may exhibit a reduction in growth and a slight change in leaf color but generally retains its leaves if the climate is not too harsh. Finally, the plant goes dormant during the cold winter months, although it remains evergreen or semi-evergreen in milder climates, before resuming its growth cycle again with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer
Potentilla fruticosa 'Pretty Polly', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, can be propagated through the method of softwood cuttings, which is the most popular and successful technique for this plant. Propagation is best undertaken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still green and flexible. Cut a section of the stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure it includes at least two or three leaf nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have formed, which usually takes several weeks. To maintain a high humidity environment, you can cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator. Once the cuttings have rooted and show new growth, they can be potted on or eventually planted out into the garden.
