did you know?

The name is from the Latin meaning "powerful," a reference to the medicinal properties that are associated with some members of the genus. Cinquefoil's five-parted leaf was used in heraldry to symbolize the five senses.

general maintenance:

Cinquefoil rarely needs pruning or deadheading. If plants become ungainly, renew them by cutting to the ground in early spring for fresh growth.

pests/diseases:

Spider mites may occur in dry conditions.

controls:

To control spider mites, regularly hose off plants with a directed stream of water, mist frequently to increase humidity, or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil. In early spring, dig a hole twice the width of container or root ball, making sure there is enough room for shrub to reach its mature spread. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, even with top of root ball. Fill in hole around plant with soil, and mound to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of the hole to act as a catchbasin. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before planting. Burlap may be left around root ball and then peeled back once plant is set in hole. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant to retain water and deter weeds.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once shrub is established, usually by the third year, water only in times of drought.

garden hint:

Cinquefoil blooms from summer until frost, making it an ideal addition to the flower border or dramatic in mass plantings.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous

garden uses:

• Edging
• Flowerbed borders
• Rock Garden

other uses:

combine with:

perennials such as daylilies montbretia and Stoke's aster or shrubs such as red-leaved barberry ( 'Royal Burgundy'), butterfly bush and blue spirea