The Story
Plant Bio
Dasiphora fruticosa, commonly known as shrubby cinquefoil, is a compact deciduous shrub growing two to four feet high with a rounded, multi-stemmed habit and fine blue-green foliage. Bright yellow five-petaled flowers bloom continuously from early summer through early fall against shredding grayish-brown bark.
The species thrives in alkaline, lean soils where other ornamentals fail, demonstrating extreme winter hardiness down to zone 3. Its deep root system provides high drought resistance once established, though high summer humidity impairs performance.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48"
Width
60"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low to Moderate
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America, Europe, Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in full sun in a location with well-draining soil, setting the root crown level with the surrounding soil.
- Water regularly during the first growing season until the root system is established.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture while keeping mulch clear of main stems.
- Prune in late winter or early spring to thin out old woody stems and shape the mounded habit.
Pro Tip
Prune in late winter by removing up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level; shearing heavily into bare, leafless wood prevents new shoots from emerging.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun for maximum bloom density.
- Prune out old, woody canes near ground level in late winter.
- Provide supplemental water during prolonged summer droughts.
Don't
- Do not shear into old, leafless wood as it fails to regenerate shoots.
- Do not plant in hot, highly humid regions where air circulation is poor.
- Do not over-fertilize, which encourages weak foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
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?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Shrubby Cinquefoil, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Shrubby Cinquefoil bloom?
Shrubby Cinquefoil typically blooms in summer 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.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Shrubby Cinquefoil with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.