Species

Potentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

9 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Mckay'

The Story

Plant Bio

Shrubby cinquefoil is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its long bloom season of saucer-shaped flowers and fine-textured, ferny foliage.

'Mckay's White' is a compact selection featuring creamy white flowers from summer to fall that stand out against its dark blue-green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a very long season of color with its cheerful, creamy-white flowers that bloom from early summer until the first frost. Its fine-textured foliage adds a soft look to the landscape.

Extremely hardy and adaptable, it thrives in difficult conditions including poor soil, drought, and cold climates. Its low, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for mass plantings, borders, and erosion control on slopes.

The simple, open-faced flowers are easily accessible to a variety of small native bees and other pollinators, providing a consistent nectar and pollen source throughout the summer.

SpeciesPotentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

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 site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole.
Ensure the crown of the plant is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Water regularly during the first season to establish roots.

Pro Tip

For continuous blooming, ensure the plant receives at least six hours of sun and avoid overly rich, heavily fertilized soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for the best flower production.
Provide good drainage; it dislikes wet feet.
Prune in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
Water during extended periods of drought.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, as it will become leggy and not flower well.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excess foliage and fewer blooms.
Don't let the plant dry out completely in hot summer climates.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, heavy clay soils without amendment.

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

Durable low border or edgingTough mass planting for slopesReliable color for rock gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta x faassenii Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Coreopsis verticillata Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil questions

What zones can McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil grow in?

McKay's White 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 McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil deer resistant?

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

When does McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil bloom?

McKay's White Shrubby 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 McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil need full sun?

McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is McKay's White Shrubby Cinquefoil drought tolerant?

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