Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor'
ABOUT
Potentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is a woody perennial shrub recognized for its decorative and dense flowering habit. The plant sports small, pinnate leaves that are fine-textured with a bright green hue, giving it a soft and feathery appearance. Throughout the blooming season, which spans from early summer to the onset of autumn, it becomes adorned with a profusion of cheerful, butter-yellow flowers. Each flower has a simple yet elegant structure with five petals that form a cup-like shape, typically attracting various pollinators to the garden. The foliage of the Shrubby Cinquefoil persists throughout the growing season and may take on a warmer, bronze coloration as the cooler weather approaches. The branching structure is well-delineated, adding to the dense, bushy character of the plant. This ornamental quality makes it particularly valuable for creating textured backdrops in garden beds, borders, or as part of foundation plantings. The overall presentation is one of hardiness and resilience, capable of delivering both visual interest and habitat support in a landscape setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Potentilla Bush
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa, Potentilla fruticosa, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Potentilla floribunda, Dasiphora floribunda, Pentaphylloides floribunda, Potentilla fruticosa var. floribunda.
ToxicityTo humans
Potentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning, and it is generally considered safe with no toxic effects if ingested in normal, small quantities typically encountered in a garden setting.
To pets
Shrubby Cinquefoil is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally regarded as a pet-safe plant, and there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with it. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause any significant health issues for pets.
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- Ornamental Value: The plant displays bright yellow flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving in very cold climates, ideal for gardens in regions with harsh winters.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and upkeep, which is beneficial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from late spring to fall, providing color in the garden for an extended season.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden uses including borders, ground covers, and foundation plantings.
- Soil Adaptability: Can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to loam, as long as the site has good drainage.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes and banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrubby cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' can be used in dyeing textiles, where different parts of the plant may yield varying shades of yellow or green.
- As a natural pest repellent, this plant variety can help deter certain insects when planted in a mixed border or vegetable garden.
- The dense, fibrous root system of Shrubby cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' can aid in soil stabilization on slopes and embankments, helping to prevent erosion.
- Its robust nature allows it to be used in revegetation projects in disturbed or poor soil areas, where it can help re-establish plant life and attract wildlife.
- Dried stems and branches can provide structure and volume in floral arrangements and can be painted or decorated for artistic projects.
- Shrubby cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' can be used as a low-maintenance ground cover plant that effectively suppresses weeds while providing attractive foliage and flowers.
- Because of its resistance to cold temperatures, the plant can be used in alpine and rock gardens, complementing other mountain flora.
- This variety can function as a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, promoting biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem.
- The compact form and low stature make Shrubby cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' suitable for planting along walkways and driveways where space is limited.
- It can be shaped and maintained for use in bonsai, offering a different aesthetic for enthusiasts of miniature horticulture.
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 'Sommerflor', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions and withstand harsh climates.
- Protection: In folk traditions, the five-petaled flower of the Shrubby Cinquefoil was believed to offer protection and was sometimes used in magical rites.
- Maternal Love: The plant's nurturing growth habit and enduring nature are sometimes associated with the nurturing aspect of maternal love.
- Attraction and Charm: With its bright yellow flowers, the Shrubby Cinquefoil is often thought to represent attraction and charm, symbolizing a radiant personality or a warm, inviting space.
WaterThe most common name for Potentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor' is Shrubby Cinquefoil. This plant prefers consistent moisture, so water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It may need watering approximately once a week, but this can vary based on the climate and soil conditions. During the growing season, ensure it receives about 1 inch of water each week, which translates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. It's important not to overwater, as Shrubby Cinquefoil doesn't like to sit in waterlogged soil. In the winter, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant’s water requirements decrease.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal location is a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures the plant has enough energy for flowering and maintains dense foliage. However, in regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help protect it from scorching.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide temperature range. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for colder climates. The ideal growing temperature for Shrubby Cinquefoil ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is well adapted to fluctuations in temperature and can also handle heat up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit without adverse effects.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil is important to maintain its shape and encourage blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Cut back up to one-third of the older stems to ground level to promote fresh growth and rejuvenate the plant. It typically requires pruning once a year, though light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the desired shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' prefers well-drained, loamy to sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can work well. Ensure adequate organic matter for fertility.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' does not need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Sommerflor' tolerates a range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity similar to its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Shrubby Cinquefoil in bright indirect light, cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, water and mulch well.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late spring after experiencing cold stratification that breaks their dormancy. Seedlings establish themselves quickly, putting down roots and producing simple leaves as they enter the vegetative growth phase, where energy is focused on developing a strong root system and foliage throughout the first season. In subsequent years, the plant enters a mature vegetative state and produces five-petaled, butter-yellow flowers from late spring into the early fall, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop small, dry fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Once the flowering and fruiting phase ends, the plant prepares for dormancy in winter, where above-ground parts may die back, but the roots remain alive. Shrubby Cinquefoil can live for many years, undergoing annual cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Sommerflor', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is tender and green. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The treated cuttings can then be planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight with high humidity, which can be maintained by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or using a mist system. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.
