Potentilla
( poh - ten - TILL - uh)
At-A-Glance InformationPotentilla, or Cinquefoil, is a genus of vigorous, easy to grow perennials that need partial shade in the warmest climates. Water needs vary depending on the species as does flower color which ranges from white or cream to pink, yellow, red and orange. Leaves can be green, greyish, or silvery.
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Potentilla Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Cinquefoil vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. The following list is divided into two types of Potentilla: Perennials and Shrubs.
Perennial Species of Potentilla
This group of Cinquefoil include sturdy smaller plants wonderful for including in rock gardens and perennial borders. Some are even used as groundcovers. Leaves resemble the foliage of Strawberry plants, and this group of Potentilla needs regular to moderate water.
This group of Cinquefoil include sturdy smaller plants wonderful for including in rock gardens and perennial borders. Some are even used as groundcovers. Leaves resemble the foliage of Strawberry plants, and this group of Potentilla needs regular to moderate water.
Potentilla nepalensis (Nepalese Cinquefoil) This species is best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24 and is native to the Himalayas. Flowers bloom in summertime on branched stems. This species is great for borders and as cut flowers, and performs well in coastal gardens. Varieties include 'Miss Willmott' (with dark-centered salmon flowers) and 'Ron McBeath' (with carmine blooms that have heart-shaped petals). |
Potentilla neumanniana Grows best in zones A1-A3 and 1-24 and is native to Europe. It looks dainty but is a tough groundcover, reaching 4-6 inches tall and spreading quickly. Leaves are bright green and flowers are yellow. Works as a bulb cover, and can be mowed to improve appearance. Variety 'Nana' is more compact, getting to just 3 inches tall. |
Shrub Species of Potentilla
This group of Cinquefoil are native to northern latitudes across the globe, and perform well in zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-21. Many have bright green to medium green foliage and bloom from late spring to early fall. They are easy-to-grow plants that like well-draining soil with moderate water. They can, however, tolerate poor soil, drought, and a good amount of heat. Varieties with red or orange blooms should be grown in partial shade so that the flower color doesn't bleach in the sun. Cut out old stems after blooms fade to make room for new growth. The following species are commonly sold in nurseries.
This group of Cinquefoil are native to northern latitudes across the globe, and perform well in zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-21. Many have bright green to medium green foliage and bloom from late spring to early fall. They are easy-to-grow plants that like well-draining soil with moderate water. They can, however, tolerate poor soil, drought, and a good amount of heat. Varieties with red or orange blooms should be grown in partial shade so that the flower color doesn't bleach in the sun. Cut out old stems after blooms fade to make room for new growth. The following species are commonly sold in nurseries.
'Frosty'
1 foot tall and 3 feet wide, with with large white blooms. |
'Goldfinger'
Golden yellow flowers on a plant that reaches 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. |
'Goldstar'
2.5 feet tall and a little less wide with bright yellow flowers. |
'Jackman's Variety'
3-4 feet tall and 5 feet wide with bright yellow flowers. |
'Red Ace'
2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide with bright red flowers with yellow centers and petal undersides. Flower color fades in sun and heat. |
'Sunset'
1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with red flowers that fade to orange or yellow in sun. |
'Sutter's Gold'
1 foot tall and 3 feet wide with soft yellow blooms. |
'Tangerine'
Grows 2.5 feet tall and just as tall, with bright orange-yellow flowers. |
Caring for Potentilla
As long as Cinquefoil receives great drainage, they are not fussy about soil composition.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 527, Potentilla
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