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Potentilla, also known as cinquefoil, is a genus of hardy perennials and shrubs that thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. There are about 500 species in the genus. All have five-petaled, cup- or saucer-shaped flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, or white.
Potentilla species vary in size and habit; some grow as low ground covers while others can be shrubs or even small trees. The leaves are typically palmate with serrated edges and are usually green or grey-green in color. Potentillas are popular in gardens and landscapes. They are often used in borders, rock gardens, and as ground covers. Their attractive flowers and tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions make them a good choice for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant gardens.
Potentilla is found in temperate regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Learn about Potentilla
- Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous Shrub
- Growing Zones and Range: Zones 2 to 8 depending on species
- Hardness: Hardness varies by species.
- Height and Width: Short to small tree depending on species
- Leaves: Palmate leaves have serrated edges and are usually green or gray-green in color.
- Flowers: Five-petaled, cup- or saucer-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink or white
- Bloom time: Spring or early summer to fall
- Uses: Depending on the species used as a ground cover, ornamental shrub or small tree
- Common name: Cinquefoil
- Botanical name: potential
- Family name: Rose family
- Origin: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Where to grow Potentilla
- Potentilla plants prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Make sure to plant them in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Potentilla prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
When to plant Potentilla
- Plant Potentilla in spring after the last frost or in fall.
Planting and Spacing Potentilla
- Space Potentilla by species. Perennial Potentillas grow 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Shrub species grow 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.
- Dig a hole as deep and wide as the tree’s root ball. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to lightly press the soil around the tree to eliminate air pockets.
How to water and feed Potentilla
- Water Potentilla Regularly: Potentilla plants have shallow roots, so it is important to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.
- Potentilla is not a fussy plant, so you only need to fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
Dear Potentilla
- Prune Potentilla plants in early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the plant to your liking. Pruning will help promote healthy growth and flowering.
- To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, you can prune Potentilla in early spring before the plant begins to put out new growth.
- Mulch around the base of the Potentilla plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid applying mulch directly to the trunk to prevent rot.
Potentilla plant pests and diseases
- Pests and Diseases: Potentillas are relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common problems such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Treat any infestations promptly to prevent further damage to the plant.
Potentilla propagation
- Divide mature Potentilla plants every few years to rejuvenate them and prevent overcrowding. Simply dig up the plant, separate the roots into sections, and replant the sections in new locations.
Potentilla Varieties to Grow
Old tree
- Water lilyHimalayan Pentaphyllum; bushy plant, up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide; hairy silvery-gray leaves and crimson summer flowers.
- P. nepalensisNepalese pentaphyllum; 1 to 3 feet tall; bears clusters of dark red flowers.
- P. neumanniana: perennial spreading 4 inches, forming a dense mat up to 12 inches wide; bears discrete clusters of yellow flowers.
- P. straight ‘Warrenii’ grows to 2 feet tall and almost as wide; has bright yellow flowers.
Shrubs
- Potentilla fruticosacinquefoil shrub: deciduous shrub growing to 4 feet tall or more; popular varieties include ‘Abbotswood’ with large white flowers, ‘Coronation Triumph’ with yellow flowers, ‘Daydown’ with pink-yellow flowers, ‘Elizabeth’ with bright yellow flowers, ‘Frosty’ with large white flowers, ‘Goldfinger’ with large yellow flowers, ‘Goldstar’ with bright yellow flowers, ‘Katherine Dykes’ with pale yellow flowers, ‘Klondike’ with deep yellow flowers. ‘Pink Beauty’ with clear pink flowers, ‘Primrose Beauty’ with yellow flowers, ‘Red Ace’ with red flowers, ‘Sunset’ with orange-yellow flowers, and ‘Tangerine’ with medium yellow flowers.
