In short
- Flowers continuously from June to October — one of the longest-flowering shrubs.
- Very undemanding: tolerates drought, frost, and poor and calcareous soils.
- A low, rounded shrub of 0.5–1.2 m — ideal for low hedges and groups.
- Flowers best in full sun; in shade it flowers sparsely.
- Rejuvenate by pruning in early spring, shortening the shoots by a third.
Botanical data
- Family
- Rosaceae (Rosaceae)
- Height
- 0.5–1.2 m
- Width
- 0.6–1.5 m
- Habit
- Rounded
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Position
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil
- Loamy, Sandy, Humus-rich, Chalky
- pH reaction
- pH 5.5–8
- Moisture
- Dry, Moderate, Moist
- Bloom
- June–October
- Hardiness
- USDA 3a–7b
- Propagation
- From cuttings, From seed, By division
Characteristics
It forms a compact, rounded shrub with thin, densely branched shoots and small, pinnate leaves that are often silvery-haired. The five-petalled flowers, yellow in the wild type and also white, orange, cream or pink in cultivars, appear singly and in clusters continuously from June to October.
Growing and care
Watering
Very undemanding — once rooted, water only during prolonged drought. It tolerates both drying out and periodically moister substrate.
Fertilizing
Moderately — on overly fertile soil it grows vigorously but flowers more weakly.
Planting
Tolerates almost any well-drained soil, including calcareous; only permanently waterlogged, stagnant sites should be avoided.
Pruning calendar
Pruning group: Summer-flowering shrubs (on new growth)
What and how to cut
In early spring, before growth starts, cut last year's shoots back low — above the second or third pair of healthy buds above the woody framework; remove weak and dead shoots.
In early spring (March), before growth resumes.
What not to do
Don't prune in autumn (fresh wounds suffer frost damage) or after the buds have set in midsummer.
Companion plants
Good companions
Both species like sun and well-drained soil, and the long-flowering cinquefoil contrasts nicely with the purple of the lavender.
Low shrubs with a similar use — they combine excellently into flowering, low hedges and groups.
An equally undemanding shrub for low hedges; a contrast of colourful foliage and long flowering.
Bad companions
In heavy shade, cinquefoil flowers sparsely and loses its compact habit.
The evidence level indicates whether the relationship is backed by research, observation, or gardening tradition.
Toxicity
| For whom | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | None | — |
| Dogs | None | — |
| Cats | None | — |
History and origin
A species with a wide, circumpolar range, in Poland relictual and strictly protected at its few natural sites (including in the Pieniny Mountains). Known in horticulture since the 18th century, it is today one of the most frequently planted low ornamental shrubs, available in dozens of colour cultivars.
Uses
For low, flowering hedges, borders and shrub groups, for banks and home gardens, and in dwarf form also for containers on balconies and terraces.
Trivia
- The former genus name Potentilla can still be found in nursery catalogues, although the species has botanically been moved to the genus Dasiphora.
- In some regions of Asia, an infusion known as Kuril tea was brewed from the dried leaves of the cinquefoil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shrubby cinquefoil flower?
It is one of the longest-flowering shrubs — it flowers continuously from June right through to October, provided it has a position in full sun.
Is cinquefoil suitable for a low hedge?
Yes. Thanks to its compact, rounded habit and a height of 0.5–1.2 m, it works excellently as a low, flowering hedge; it is planted every 40–60 cm.
When should shrubby cinquefoil be pruned?
Best in early spring, before growth resumes, shortening the shoots by about a third. Every few years it is worth removing the oldest branches to rejuvenate the shrub.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) — Dasiphora fruticosaDatabase (GBIF, POWO…)
- RHS — Potentilla fruticosaInstitution / botanical garden
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