Shrubby Cinquefoil, Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Shrubby Cinquefoil, Potentilla
Potentilla fruticosa

Potentilla in flower
Potentilla in flower
 
Features
Bright yellow flowers produced from early summer into fall; some cultivars offer white, pink or red-orange flowers; leaves are gray green in summer. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well-drained soils best, but this species tolerates both wet and dry sites; very tolerant of alkaline soils. 
 
Cultivars

Numerous cultivars including:

  • 'Abbottswood' - Blue green foliage and large white flowers, 3 feet tall
  • 'Coronation Triumph' - Abundant, bright yellow flowers on a 3-4 foot tall plant
  • 'Fargo' (Dakota Sunspot®)- Deep golden flowers, 2-3 feet tall
  • 'Gold Drop' - Yellow flowers on a dwarf shrub (2 feet)
  • 'Goldfinger' - Dark green foliage, large yellow flowers, 3-4 feet tall
  • 'McKay's White' - Creamy white flowers, 2-3 feet tall
  • 'Pink Beauty' - Pink flowers on a dwarf shrub (2 feet)
 
 
Mature Height
2-4 Feet
 
Size
Small
 
 
Mature Width
2-4 Feet
 
Mature Form
Rounded to broad rounded 
 
Native To:
United States, Europe and Asia 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 6 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Border
Foundation
Hedge
Massing
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Leaf spots, mildew and mites can be a problem but are seldom serious.
 
Additional Notes

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic