Species

Potentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

11 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Kobold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dasiphora fruticosa is a cold-hardy, dense, small deciduous shrub native across temperate zones of North America, Europe, and Asia. It features fine-textured branching with pinnately compound leaves and bears terminal, saucer-shaped blossoms continuously from late spring through to the first fall frosts.

'Kobold' is a compact, spherical cultivar reaching 24 to 31 inches in height with a mounded form spreading up to 51 inches wide. It produces brilliant golden-yellow blooms set against light greyish-green foliage that turns bright bronze-yellow in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense spherical habit featuring non-stop bright yellow flowers and yellow-bronze fall color.

Exceptionally cold-hardy shrub adaptable to neutral, acidic, or chalky soils.

Provides nectar for native bees, beneficial insects, and visiting hummingbirds.

SpeciesPotentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

28"

Width

41"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America, Europe, Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a full sun to partial shade location with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and position the shrub at its original nursery depth.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Perform a hard renewal prune down near ground level every three to five years rather than shearing annually into old bare wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in light, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight for maximum bloom intensity.
Prune out dead or twiggy branchlets in late winter or early spring.

Don't

Do not allow soil to remain waterlogged or stagnant around the root system.
Do not shear heavily into old leafless wood during annual maintenance.
Do not plant in heavy shade, which causes weak, straggly stems and poor flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low informal hedging and border edging.Rock gardens and mounded foundation plantings.Mass plantings for ground cover and erosion control on slopes.

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta racemosa Veronica spicata Lavandula angustifolia

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 4–8. 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 autumn. 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.