Shrubby cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa
Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. All-summer bloomer; tolerates clay better than most xeric shrubs.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: niklasw, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: GerritR, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Walter Siegmund (talk), Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2 to 7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- yellow, white, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- montane, foothills
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer. Tolerates clay, sand, and a wide pH range, easy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Shrubby cinquefoil good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Shrubby cinquefoil is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Shrubby cinquefoil get?
- It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Shrubby cinquefoil?
- Space Shrubby cinquefoil about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Shrubby cinquefoil hardy on the Front Range?
- Shrubby cinquefoil is hardy in USDA 2 to 7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Shrubby cinquefoil need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Shrubby cinquefoil grow?
- Shrubby cinquefoil is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Shrubby cinquefoil native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Shrubby cinquefoil deer-resistant?
- Shrubby cinquefoil is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Shrubby cinquefoil prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Shrubby cinquefoil has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
- How long does Shrubby cinquefoil bloom?
- Shrubby cinquefoil blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
