Species

Potentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

11 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa 'Hopleys Orange'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dasiphora fruticosa, historically classified as Potentilla fruticosa, is a dense, deciduous shrub native to cool temperate and alpine regions across the Northern Hemisphere. The species features fine-textured branching clothed in small, pinnately divided grey-green leaves and produces five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers from early summer through fall.

'Hopleys Orange' is distinguished by its compact, mounding habit and bright orange to burnt-amber flowers that feature a paler reverse. The blossoms retain their deep orange saturation best when grown in full sun, though they tolerate light afternoon shade.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a continuous display of bright orange flowers from early summer to frost on a compact, fine-textured frame.

Highly tolerant of urban pollution, road salt, and coastal conditions, making it suitable for difficult roadside sites.

Provides a reliable nectar and pollen source for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

SpeciesPotentilla fruticosaShrubby Cinquefoil

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-year

Native To

North America, Europe, Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location receiving full sun to maximize flower density and color saturation.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, utilizing sandy or loamy mixes if native soil is heavy clay.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture without waterlogging the crown.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged clay or over-fertilizing, which causes leggy growth and root rot; instead, prune older stems near the base every three to four years to prevent a hollow, woody center.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and remove dead tips.
Perform a renewal prune every three to four years by cutting older stems close to the ground.
Grow in lean, moderately fertile soil to maintain a compact, bushy form.

Don't

Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate weak foliage at the expense of flowers.
Do not plant in poorly drained, permanently wet, or waterlogged sites.
Do not cut back aggressively into old, leafless wood lacking visible buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensBorder edgingMass plantingsCoastal gardensLow hedges

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Nepeta faassenii Lavandula angustifolia Festuca glauca

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 early 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.