Species

Potentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

11 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dasiphora fruticosa, commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a compact deciduous shrub native across the cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It features finely textured, compound leaves with three to seven narrow leaflets and produces a continuous succession of five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers from late spring until the first frosts.

'Red Ace' is distinguished by its low, spreading habit and striking vermilion-red flowers with pale yellow undersides. The red pigments are highly sensitive to heat, causing the blossoms to fade to a soft orange-yellow during hot summer weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a long-lasting display of vermilion-red flowers from late spring to frost on a compact, finely textured mounding shrub.

Offers exceptional cold hardiness, good drought tolerance once established, and resilience against coastal salt spray.

Attracts and supports native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators throughout the growing season.

SpeciesPotentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Northern Hemisphere

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure maximum flower density and the most intense red coloration.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant in well-drained soil, as the roots rot quickly in waterlogged conditions.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light layer of compost or a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring to support continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire shrub back hard to a hand's breadth above the ground every three to five years to rejuvenate the center; annual hard pruning into old, leafless wood without visible buds will prevent regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to prevent the flowers from thinning and losing their rich red color.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to avoid root rot.
Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead wood and maintain a neat, mounded shape.

Don't

Do not plant in wet, boggy, or poorly drained sites.
Do not prune deep into old, bare wood that lacks active buds.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensBorder edgingMass plantingsCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii Spiraea japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shrubby Cinquefoil questions

What zones can Shrubby Cinquefoil grow in?

Shrubby Cinquefoil is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shrubby Cinquefoil deer resistant?

Yes — Shrubby Cinquefoil is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shrubby Cinquefoil bloom?

Shrubby Cinquefoil typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shrubby Cinquefoil need full sun?

Shrubby Cinquefoil does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shrubby Cinquefoil drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shrubby Cinquefoil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.