How big does Shrubby cinquefoil grow?

About 1.2 m × 1.2 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m.

What soil does Shrubby cinquefoil grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Shrubby cinquefoil hardy?

Hardy down to -46 °C (USDA zone 1, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Shrubby cinquefoil toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Shrubby cinquefoil toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should Shrubby cinquefoil be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Shrubby cinquefoil be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 70 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 2.5 plants per metre.

When does Shrubby cinquefoil flower?

Flowering: May–October, yellow, white, pink, orange, red.

How much water does Shrubby cinquefoil need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Shrubby cinquefoil cost?

It sells for roughly €3.60 to €47 in local shops, depending on size.

Shrubby cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) is a shrub that reaches 1.2 m × 1.2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -46 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €3.60.

Illustration of Shrubby cinquefoil — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dense, rounded little deciduous shrub that flowers almost without a break from late spring until the first frosts. It is undemanding and copes with limy and poor soils, which makes it a reliable choice for a low hedge, an edging or a small group. It flowers best in sun, dislikes waterlogged ground, and stays compact for years if you take out the oldest stems every so often.

Watch out for

In Central Europe spider mites can build up during hot, dry spells in summer and flowering slows down, so water it in prolonged heat. Powdery mildew and leaf spot may appear in humid weather.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1.2 m
Hardiness: down to -46 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–October, yellow, white, pink, orange, red

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1.2 m
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -46 °C (USDA 1, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–October, yellow, white, pink, orange, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.60

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-25 cm	approx. €3.60
30-40 cm	approx. €9.20
35-40 cm	approx. €47
40-50 cm	approx. €13
size not stated	approx. €4 – €11

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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