Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Snowbird'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Snowbird', commonly known as the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird', is a highly ornamental plant known for its appealing aesthetics. The plant boasts a dense, mounded form with many stems that create a lush, bushy appearance characteristic of many shrub varieties. Its foliage is small and finely textured, with leaves that exhibit a soft green hue, providing a pleasing backdrop for the flowers it produces. The most distinctive feature of the 'Snowbird' is its abundant flowers, which bloom profusely throughout the warmer months. Each flower is a beautiful, pure white blossom with a radiant yellow center, forming a striking contrast against the green foliage. The flowers have five petals arranged in a simple, yet elegant, cup-shaped fashion typical of the cinquefoil group and are known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Though known for its hardiness and resilience in a range of conditions, the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' is particularly beloved in ornamental gardens for its prolonged flowering period and its ability to bring bright, cheerful color to landscaping designs. Its compact and tidy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting visual interest without the need for frequent maintenance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Potentilla, Snowbird Potentilla.
Common names
Dasiphora floribunda, Dasiphora fruticosa, Pentaphylloides floribunda, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla floribunda, Potentilla fruticosa.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any parts of the shrubby cinquefoil, and it is not known to cause adverse health effects.
To pets
The shrubby cinquefoil is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not typically pose a risk if pets ingest parts of the plant, and there are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from the shrubby cinquefoil in animals.
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
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Thrives in a wide range of soil types and conditions with minimal maintenance required.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering season from late spring to late summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can survive with limited water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climates.
- Attracts Wildlife: Its flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 2-6, making it suitable for cold climates.
- Deer Resistant: Less appealing to deer, which helps prevent damage in areas where deer are a common problem.
- Winter Interest: Some varieties retain their dried foliage or have an interesting branch structure providing visual interest in the winter landscape.
- Compact Size: It remains small and manageable, ideal for borders, ground covers, or container gardening.
- Low Hedge: Can be used to create a natural, low-growing hedge or edging without the need for regular trimming.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Potentilla fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Astringent: The plant has been known to have astringent qualities.
- Antiseptic: It may be used topically due to its antiseptic effects.
- Gastrointestinal aid: Shrubby Cinquefoil has been used to help with gastrointestinal problems.
- Febrifuge: The plant is sometimes used for its potential to reduce fever.
- Treatment of skin conditions: It has been applied externally to treat various skin conditions.
- Oral health: In some traditions, the plant has been used to maintain oral hygiene and health.
- Diarrhea: Historically, it's been used to treat diarrhea.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Habitat: Shrubby Cinquefoil provides shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, contributing to pollination and biodiversity in gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit and extensive root system make it effective for stabilizing soil on slopes and in areas susceptible to erosion.
- Dye Source: Historically, the roots have been used to produce a reddish-brown dye for coloring textiles and leather.
- Low-Maintenance Ground Cover: Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used as a ground cover in xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements.
- Wildlife Food Source: The plant supplies food in the form of its fruit to various birds and small mammals, supporting local wildlife.
- Winter Interest: It retains its woody structure during the winter, providing visual interest in otherwise barren landscapes.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, Shrubby Cinquefoil is used in traditional ceremonies or as a symbol in folklore and mythology.
- Photography Subject: With its bright yellow flowers, it is a popular choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of natural gardens.
- Bonsai Specimen: Due to its small leaves and shrubby form, it can be trained as a bonsai for ornamental indoor or outdoor display.
- Artistic Inspiration: The intricate form and flowers of Shrubby Cinquefoil inspire artists and can be featured in botanical illustrations and naturalist art.
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: Potentilla fruticosa 'Snowbird', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, often symbolizes survival and resilience due to its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and poor soils.
- Simplicity and Cheer: The simple, yet bright flowers of the Shrubby Cinquefoil convey a message of simplicity and cheer, reflecting their easygoing nature and sunny disposition.
- Protection: Historically, the Cinquefoil's five petals were believed to offer protection and were associated with magical properties, giving the plant a symbolic meaning of safeguarding against harm.
- Love and Affection: The prolific blooms of the Shrubby Cinquefoil can also symbolize love and affection, with the idea that the plant's endurance mirrors the steadiness of devoted love.
WaterThe Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage a strong root system. During the first growing season, it is important to maintain even moisture, watering about once a week or more frequently during hot, dry spells. Typically, giving the plant 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time should suffice. Once established, Shrubby Cinquefoil is quite drought-tolerant and will only require supplemental water during prolonged dry periods. In the absence of rain, watering every two to three weeks may be necessary, adjusting for climate and soil conditions.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions but will produce the most abundant flowers in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F, making it suitable for many climates. The ideal temperature range for growing Shrubby Cinquefoil is between 60°F to 75°F. However, it is a robust plant that can withstand both the summer heat and the winter cold.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' is done primarily to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, but since the plant flowers on new wood, it may only be necessary every few years to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a bushier growth habit.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand in equal parts works best to maintain proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' is a hardy perennial shrub and typically does not require repotting. Rather, it should be planted outdoors where it can spread its roots.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Snowbird' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average outdoor air moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Difficult indoors, needs full sun, well-draining soil and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to light shade, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Snowbird', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are suitable. After germination, seedlings develop root systems and foliage through photosynthesis, entering a vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, it develops woody stems and produces dense clusters of leaves, with flowering typically occurring in the early to mid-summer, displaying its characteristic white, five-petaled flowers. These flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small, dry fruits that contain seeds for the next generation. Throughout its life, the Shrubby Cinquefoil will experience periods of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the fall and winter. This plant can live for several years, becoming more extensive and shrub-like, with its longevity and reproductive success dependent on suitable growing conditions and minimal disturbance.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Snowbird', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is most often propagated by softwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking these cuttings is from late spring to early summer, when new growth is still flexible and not yet hardened. To propagate using this method, one should cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem, making sure that there are at least a couple of leaves on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist potting mix and kept in a warm, shaded place until new growth indicates that roots have formed, typically within a few weeks. During this period, the cutting should be kept under high humidity, which can be maintained by covering it with a plastic bag or a humidity dome. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden.
