Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream'
ABOUT
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream', commonly known as the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream', is a deciduous shrub heralded for its distinctive flowering and foliage characteristics. This particular variety is notable for its cream-colored flowers, which blossom profusely throughout the growing season. These flowers are modestly sized, with a simple yet elegant saucer shape highlighted by five rounded petals surrounding a central cluster of yellow stamens. The foliage of the 'Tilford Cream' consists of small, pinnate leaves divided into multiple leaflets that display a soft green hue with a matte finish. The leaflets are narrow, with serrated margins providing a delicate texture. The plant's overall form is compact and bushy, creating an appearance that is both neat and lush. Its branching habit is dense, with stems that are slender and initially green, becoming woody as they mature. The Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream' is favored for its hardy nature and the extended period in which it provides visual interest. From the blooming period through the progression of seasons, the soft-hued blossoms contrast pleasantly against the green foliage, making it a versatile addition to any garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Bush Cinquefoil, Shrubby Five-finger
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Tilford Cream', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Tilford Cream', Pentaphylloides floribunda 'Tilford Cream'.
ToxicityTo humans
The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream') is not considered toxic to humans. Typically, there are no adverse reactions expected from handling or ingesting the plant, and it doesn't pose any significant risk of poisoning. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant because it is generally seen as safe.
To pets
Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream') is also not considered toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any harmful effects if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. As with humans, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning from this plant, as it is not regarded as poisonous to pets either.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
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- Attractive Foliage: Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream' has light green foliage that adds texture and color to garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant has good drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in rocky areas.
- Long Blooming: From late spring to fall, it produces cream-colored flowers that provide a long season of visual interest.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, supporting pollinator populations.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning and watering in extreme drought.
- Cold Hardy: This plant can tolerate cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Good Border Plant: Its compact shape makes it an ideal choice for border edges or as a groundcover.
- Deer Resistant: Shrubby Cinquefoil is generally not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Versatile Planting Options: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including rock gardens, foundation plantings, and mixed borders.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage of Shrubby Cinquefoil provides excellent cover for small animals and birds, creating a safe habitat for them to nest and hide from predators.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion and promoting soil health.
- Dye Production: The flowers and leaves of Shrubby Cinquefoil can be used to produce a yellow dye, which is used for coloring fabrics and in traditional crafts.
- Landscape Design: Due to its compact size and attractive foliage, it is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover in landscape design projects.
- Educational Tool: Often included in educational programs about local flora, Shrubby Cinquefoil can help teach students and nature enthusiasts about plant identification and ecology.
- Photography Subject: With its pretty yellow flowers and lush foliage, it is a favorite subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in botanical and garden photography.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, the flowers can be used as an edible decoration to add visual appeal to dishes.
- Biomonitoring: The plant can be used as an indicator species in biomonitoring to assess the health of an ecosystem, as it reacts sensitively to environmental changes.
- Winter Interest: The branches and seed heads of Shrubby Cinquefoil can add texture and interest to winter gardens when many other plants have died back.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists and craftsmen may use the intricate patterns of its branches and flowers as inspiration for designs in jewelry, textiles, or other artistic creations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Potentilla is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Potentilla is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance - Potentilla, also commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is known for its hardiness, able to survive harsh conditions and cold climates, symbolizing the ability to endure difficult times.
- Protection - In medieval times, cinquefoil was often used in magical potions and was believed to offer protection against evil forces.
- Attraction - The bright flowers of the 'Tilford Cream' variety are inviting to both humans and pollinators, symbolizing attraction and the ability to draw in positive forces.
- Maternal Affection - The nurturing way this plant spreads and provides shelter for wildlife can be seen as representing the loving and protective nature of motherhood.
- Wisdom - The five petals of the cinquefoil flowers have been associated with the body's five senses, offering a connection to wisdom and the importance of being discerning.
WaterShrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream') should be watered deeply to encourage strong root development, typically once a week during hot and dry periods. During the growing season, provide about 1 inch of water weekly, either by rain or supplemental watering, equating to approximately 0.623 gallons for each square foot of soil. If rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering accordingly. For container-grown plants, ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, but do not let the soil dry out completely. During the winter months, water less frequently, allowing the plant to receive natural precipitation unless there are extended dry spells.
LightShrubby Cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes the best flowering and growth. It can tolerate light shade, but too much shade may result in fewer flowers and a less dense plant.
TemperatureShrubby Cinquefoil is a hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive summer temperatures well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where it can grow most vigorously and bloom abundantly.
PruningPruning Shrubby Cinquefoil is essential to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage new growth and blooms. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Lightly shape the shrub as needed and cut out any old wood to promote a more open, healthy plant. It's a forgiving plant and can be pruned back heavily every few years if it becomes too large or leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream' thrives in well-drained, loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. Mixing in compost or peat moss can improve soil structure and fertility.
RepottingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream' is typically not repotted often as it is a shrub typically grown outdoors. Repot only when outgrowing its current space which is usually every few years.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream' tolerates a range of humidity levels and is adaptable to the common outdoor humidity in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal water in pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late spring in well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight exposure. As a perennial, it develops a woody base with herbaceous growth that emerges each year; during its first year, the plant focuses energy on establishing a robust root system and foliage. In subsequent years, the shrub matures and produces five-petaled, creamy yellow flowers from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Throughout its life, which can last 20 years or more, it undergoes seasonal cycles of dormancy in winter with foliage dying back, and rejuvenation in spring as temperatures warm up. The plant can propagate either by seed or vegetatively through division in early spring or fall, enabling spread or controlled cultivation. In its mature stage, the shrub maintains a bushy form with regular pruning to promote healthy growth and encourage prolific flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Propogation: The Potentilla fruticosa 'Tilford Cream', commonly known as the Shrubby Cinquefoil 'Tilford Cream', is often propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is still soft and pliable. Gardeners clip a 4 to 6-inch cutting (10-15 cm) from the current year's growth, ensuring that there are at least two to three sets of leaves on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted in a well-draining propagation mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves remain above the surface. The pot with the cutting is kept in a warm place with indirect sunlight and maintained moist until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and established, they can be transferred into individual pots or planted directly into the garden.
