Species

Potentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

9 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Gold Drop'

The Story

Plant Bio

Potentilla fruticosa (now Dasiphora fruticosa) is an exceptionally hardy and adaptable small deciduous shrub, valued for its fine-textured foliage and incredibly long bloom season from summer to frost.

'Gold Drop' is a classic, time-tested cultivar known for its compact, mounding habit and profusion of small, bright, buttercup-yellow flowers. It is particularly floriferous and reliable.

Uses & Benefits:

Its greatest asset is the cheerful, non-stop display of yellow flowers from June until the first hard frost. The fine-textured, ferny foliage provides a soft contrast to bolder plants, and its compact size makes it versatile.

This is a workhorse shrub for low-maintenance landscaping. It's perfect for mass plantings, low informal hedges, and foundation plantings. Its tolerance for drought, poor soil, and salt makes it ideal for difficult sites like roadsides and parking lots.

The simple, open-faced flowers are highly attractive to native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, providing a steady source of nectar and pollen throughout the summer and fall.

SpeciesPotentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20-30 years

Native To

Northern Hemisphere, including North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Remove the shrub from its container and gently loosen the roots.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
This tough plant requires little care once established.

Pro Tip

For best flowering, provide at least six hours of full sun. In hot southern climates, some afternoon shade can prevent flower fade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.
Prune annually in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and promote flowering.
Plant in full sun for the most prolific blooming.
Deadhead spent flowers if desired, though it's not necessary.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which will result in sparse flowering.
Do not over-fertilize; it thrives in average or even poor soil.
Avoid shearing into formal shapes; its natural form is best.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful low hedge or border edgingDurable mass planting for slopes or commercial sitesBright accent in rock gardens or foundations

Companion Plants

Spiraea japonica 'Little Princess'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil questions

What zones can Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil grow in?

Gold Drop Bush 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 Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil deer resistant?

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

When does Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil bloom?

Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil need full sun?

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

Is Gold Drop Bush Cinquefoil drought tolerant?

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