Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana'
ABOUT
The Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil 'Vilmoriniana', features small, palmately divided leaves, typically featuring five leaflets that radiate from a central point, much like the fingers from the palm of a hand. The foliage is dense and has a fine texture, presenting a fern-like appearance. During the growing season, the leaves are a soft green color that provides an attractive backdrop for the flowers. The shrubby cinquefoil 'Vilmoriniana' is particularly noted for its lovely blooms. The flowers are small but numerous, with each one having five petals that form a saucer-like shape. The petals are usually a soft, creamy white, which stand out against the green foliage, providing a gentle yet cheerful visual display. The blossoms have a simplicity that can provide a cottage garden feel to the landscape. As a deciduous shrub, the shrubby cinquefoil 'Vilmoriniana' will lose its leaves in the fall, but before they drop, they may turn to attractive shades of yellow or gold, adding autumnal interest to the garden. This plant is often prized for its long blooming period, which can last from late spring to the end of summer, occasionally extending into early fall, offering a persistence of visual interest throughout much of the growing season. Overall, the shrubby cinquefoil 'Vilmoriniana' presents a mounded, bushy appearance, making it a charming addition to various landscape settings such as borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover. It's well-suited for gardens that aim for a naturalized or informal look but is versatile enough to be incorporated into more formal designs as well.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shrubby Cinquefoil, Bush Cinquefoil, Golden Hardhack, Potentilla, Widdy.
Common names
Dasiphora fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana', Pentaphylloides fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana', Potentilla floribunda 'Vilmoriniana'
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name for Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana' is Shrubby Cinquefoil. Shrubby Cinquefoil is not known for being toxic to humans. Typically, there are no symptoms of poisoning as it is not considered a poisonous plant, and there are no notable consequences of ingesting any part of this plant.
To pets
The most common name for Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana' is Shrubby Cinquefoil. Shrubby Cinquefoil is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Generally, there are no symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant since it is not considered toxic, and there are no significant consequences of ingesting any part of it.
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
2-6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: This shrub requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishing its root system, it can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces flowers over a long season, typically from late spring to late summer.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in cold climates, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts a variety of wildlife, such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial to the ecosystem.
- Decorative Appeal: The shrub's yellow flowers and compact growth habit make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Erosion Control: This plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion when planted on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Adaptable: Able to thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Divisible: Mature plants can be divided to produce new plants, providing cost-effective propagation.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Shrub Potentilla can be used in dye production; its roots and leaves are sometimes utilized to produce a small range of colors for fabrics.
- These plants are suitable for bonsai due to their small leaves and potential for woody growth, offering an unusual choice for this art form.
- Species like Shrub Potentilla can serve as a food source for certain caterpillars, thereby supporting local biodiversity and butterfly populations.
- The dense foliage of Potentilla fruticosa can provide shelter for small birds and mammals in garden settings.
- Its branches can be used in floral arrangements, especially in winter when there's a scarcity of green foliage.
- Shrub Potentilla can act as a living mulch, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture content when planted in groups.
- The plant can be a natural repellent for some pests, as certain insects dislike the compounds contained in its leaves and stems.
- When not in bloom, its fine-textured foliage provides a soft visual background for other flowering plants within a garden design.
- Potentilla’s sturdy stems can be used in the construction of small garden fences and decorative barriers.
- The twigs and branches may be woven into wreaths and other craft items, providing a rustic look to handmade decorations.
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 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, often represents resilience for its ability to thrive in a range of tough conditions, including poor soils and cold climates.
- Protection: Its dense growth habit has led to associations with shelter and protection, symbolically providing a safeguard against negativity.
- Endurance: The long flowering period of the Shrubby Cinquefoil, which can extend throughout the summer, symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand long periods of adversity.
- Maternal Love: The five-petaled flowers characteristic of the Potentilla genus are sometimes associated with the concept of the divine feminine or maternal love, representing nurturing and care.
WaterShrubby cinquefoil (the common name for Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana') prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water your shrubby cinquefoil approximately once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least an inch. During the growing season, in the absence of rainfall, this may equate to about 1-1.5 gallons per plant, per watering session, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Adjust the amount of water during periods of high heat or drought, ensuring that the plant does not dry out completely. In the winter months, reduce watering significantly, but do not allow the plant to become completely dry, especially if it is planted in sandy soil.
LightShrubby cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, or a place where it can enjoy continuous dappled sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureShrubby cinquefoil is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F, making it suitable for many cooler climates, and can handle heat up to about 90°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.
PruningPrune shrubby cinquefoil to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Removal of dead or broken branches can be done anytime. Thinning out older branches every few years encourages rejuvenation. After flowering, light pruning can be done to shape the plant and remove spent flowers, promoting a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShrubby cinquefoil prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, organic compost, and sand works best, ensuring good drainage while retaining enough moisture for root health.
RepottingShrubby cinquefoil does not require frequent repotting and can thrive for several years before needing to be moved to a larger container or refreshed with new soil.
Humidity & MistingShrubby cinquefoil is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity, typical of outdoor environments, and does not require special humidity considerations when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, cool temp.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly, hardy.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, upon germination, develops into a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it forms a woody perennial shrub with a robust root system. During spring and early summer, mature shrubs produce an abundance of five-petaled, yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, flowers develop into small, dry fruits (achenes) that contain seeds, completing the reproductive phase. Shrubby cinquefoil enters a period of dormancy during cold winter months, though it is cold-hardy and resumes growth in the spring. Throughout its life, Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana' continues to grow and spread, capable of living for many years and forming dense clumps of foliage and flowers.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Potentilla fruticosa 'Vilmoriniana', commonly known as Shrubby Cinquefoil, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, with the lower leaves removed. The cut end of the cutting can be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a pot containing a mix of peat and perlite. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted into the garden.
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