Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace', commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a hardy flowering shrub with a dense, bushy appearance. This plant is adorned with small, bright green, pinnate leaves that are divided into five to seven leaflets, giving them a fine-textured, fernlike resemblance. The foliage provides a charming backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The 'Red Ace' variety is particularly notable for its appealing, saucer-shaped flowers which bloom throughout the summer. These blossoms are a warm, reddish-orange hue with a soft yellow center, creating a striking contrast that can catch the eye from a distance. Each flower consists of five heart-shaped petals arranged around a central cluster of stamens. This shrub's branches are graceful and arching, with the leaves and flowers distributed throughout, creating a pleasantly informal shape. A versatile plant, it is often appreciated for its durability and the vibrant color it maintains from late spring into the fall, offering a prolonged display of beauty within a garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Tundra Rose, Widdy.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Red Ace', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Red Ace', Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace'.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil, commonly referred to in its variety as 'Red Ace', is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, this plant is considered safe, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as a safety precaution, it is advised not to consume any part of ornamental plants not meant for human consumption.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil 'Red Ace' is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally regarded as a safe plant in gardens where pets may have access. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause adverse symptoms or poisoning in pets. However, it's wise to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plant material, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset or other non-toxic related issues.
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- Attractive Flowers: Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, produces vibrant red blossoms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Shrubby Cinquefoil is highly tolerant of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is well-regarded for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Season: Shrubby Cinquefoil has a notably long flowering period, often from early summer until the first frost, providing extended color in the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: This species is very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making it a reliable choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Disease Resistance: Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally resistant to many common plant diseases, decreasing the need for chemical treatments.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinator populations which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscaping situations including borders, foundation plantings, and as ground cover.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife, while the flowers offer a source of nectar.
- Seasonal Interest: Shrubby Cinquefoil provides year-round interest with its attractive flowers, summer greenery, and autumnal foliage changes.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Potentilla fruticosa has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal health: It may have been used to aid in the treatment of stomach issues.
- Antiseptic properties: The plant has been used for its potential to prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
- Wound healing: There is traditional usage of Potentilla fruticosa for promoting the healing of wounds.
- Astringent: It may have been applied to the skin for its potential to tighten tissues and reduce discharge.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace' can be used as a photogenic subject for botanical illustration or photography due to its attractive red flowers.
- Dye Production: The flowers and leaves of the Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Art Supplies: Pressed flowers and leaves from the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace' can be used in making bookmarks, cards, or other paper-based crafts.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried Red Ace flowers can be used in floral arrangements or wreaths due to their vibrant color and longevity.
- Soil Erosion Control: Because of its dense and hardy growth habit, Shrubby Cinquefoil can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Wildlife Habitat: Providing habitat and food for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as small birds that feed on its seeds.
- Education: Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace' can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant growth and cultivation.
- Garden Borders: With its compact growth habit, it can create visually appealing and low-maintenance borders in garden designs.
- Ice Cream Flavoring: The petals of Shrubby Cinquefoil have been used experimentally to flavor artisanal ice creams.
- Holiday Decor: The branches and flowers of Red Ace can be incorporated into holiday decorations, such as Christmas wreaths or table centerpieces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiShrubby cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityShrubby cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Shrubby Cinquefoil, commonly known as 'Red Ace,' is a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to persevere and endure challenges.
- Protection: This plant's medicinal properties were traditionally seen as protective, and as such, it can symbolize safety and healing.
- Attraction: The bright red flowers of the 'Red Ace' can symbolize attraction and the power to captivate or allure others.
- Five-fold balance: The five petals of its flowers represent balance among the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit, signifying harmony in life.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the root zone is thoroughly soaked. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the size and maturity of the plant. During the cooler months or when rainfall is adequate, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid over-watering, as Shrubby Cinquefoil prefers well-drained soil and can be susceptible to root rot if kept too wet.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting it in a spot where it can receive ample morning and afternoon light is ideal. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with intense midday sun, but flowering may be reduced in less than full sun conditions.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide temperature range. It can survive temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F, although it prefers to grow in environments where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 70°F. Extreme heat over prolonged periods may stress the plant, so some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates.
PruningShrubby Cinquefoil should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and to encourage the growth of new flower-bearing branches. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and thin out older stems to allow light and air to penetrate the center of the plant. Pruning right after a majority of the blooms have faded can also promote a second burst of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace' prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, around 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix might include loam, sand, and organic compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Mulching can help maintain moisture levels and soil temperature.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace', being a shrubby perennial, does not typically require frequent repotting. If planted in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Red Ace' is adaptable to a variety of humidity conditions and does well in the average outdoor humidity. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its favored outdoor setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed, often requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. After stratification, the seed germinates in the spring, developing a root system and foliage as a juvenile plant. As the plant matures, it forms a woody, multi-stemmed shrub that reaches up to 2-4 feet tall and wide. The Shrubby Cinquefoil produces bright yellow to orange-red flowers from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators and potentially setting seed if flowers are fertilized. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the plant goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, typically becoming dormant in the winter months. The plant can propagate by self-seeding, or vegetatively by dividing the shrub or taking cuttings, ensuring the continuation of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is particularly favored during late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible and not yet woody. To propagate using softwood cuttings, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches long from a healthy, new growth shoot, making sure to include several leaves. The bottom of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a moist potting mix. The pot containing the cutting should be placed in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight to avoid drying out, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the roots have established, the new plant can be transplanted into the garden.
