Three-toothed Cinquefoil Plant Care

Three-toothed Cinquefoil (Sibbaldiopsis tridentata) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Sibbaldiopsis genus. Three-toothed Cinquefoil is also known as Dwarf Cinquefoil.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Three-toothed Cinquefoil produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Three-toothed Cinquefoil every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Three-toothed Cinquefoil prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Three-toothed Cinquefoil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Three-toothed Cinquefoil every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Three-toothed Cinquefoil while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Three-toothed Cinquefoil grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Three-toothed Cinquefoil as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.