Potentilla

( poh - ten - TILL - uh)

At-A-Glance Information

Potentilla, also known as Cinquefoil, Five Fingers, or Silverweed, is a genus filled with 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. These plants are sometimes mistaken for Strawberry (Fragaria) plants due to their foliage. Use these garden ornamentals in cottage-style or informal gardens, in beds, borders, or containers. They are typically used in patio areas, along walkways or as foundation plants, and also make great erosion-control plants for sloped areas and embankments.

Potentilla Species and Varietals

The genus Potentilla is a member of the plant family Rosaceae and includes over 500 species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle), Geum (Avens), and Fragaria (Strawberry). The popular garden shrub Potentilla fruticosa has been moved to the genus Dasiphora under the species name Dasiphora fruticosa. 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.

Potentilla alchemilloides (Alchemilla-Leaved Cinquefoil, Lady's Mantle Cinquefoil)
This rare species is native to the Pyrenees Mountain range on the border of Spain and France, and produces an herbaceous upright perennial plant that reaches about a foot tall when mature and in bloom. Leaves are palmate, similar to those on Alchemilla plants, and are green. Flowers are white with cream to tan centers and have five petals. Alchemilla-Leaved Cinquefoil performs best in USDA hardiness zones 5-7.

Potentilla argentea (Hoary Cinquefoil, Silver Cinquefoil, Silvery Cinquefoil, Silver-Leaf Cinquefoil)
These plants are native to Europe, Asia Minor, and Siberia. Basal leaves are palmate and grey-green with silver-white hairy undersides. Flowers bloom a few at a time from spring through mid-summer and are yellow. Plants can be upright or sprawling, reaching up to 20 inches tall on average. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and is considered invasive in North America and New Zealand.

Potentilla atrosanguinea (Dark Crimson Cinquefoil, Himalayan Cinquefoil, Ruby Cinquefoil)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24, this sprawling plant is native to the Himalayas in Bhutan and India and reaches 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Leaves are furry and silver-grey and flowers are red. Cultivars include 'Red' (with dark crimson-red flowers to 2 feet tall), 'Golden Starlit' (with bright yellow flowers and blue-green foliage), 'Scarlet Starlit' (with red blossoms on low mounding plants), and 'William Rollison' (heirloom variety with vivid semi-double or single rich orange-red flowers).

Potentilla aurea (Golden Cinquefoil, Cinquefoil)
These flowering plants are native to the mountains of mainland Europe, and have been introduced to Turkey. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, and there are many cultivars of this species commonly sold in nurseries as garden ornamentals, including 'Aurantiaca', 'Goldklumpen', and 'Plena'.

Potentilla californica (Horkelia californica) (California Horkelia, California Cinquefoil)
These plants are endemic to California, where they prefer to grow in scrubby coastal and inland mountain environments. These clump-forming perennials produce erect green stems that range in height from 4 to 40 inches tall. Leaves are green and hairy, and flowers are small and white, blooming between the months of April and July in the plant's native range. California Horkelia grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-9, 14-17, and 21-24.

Potentilla gordonii (Ivesia gordonii) (Gordon's Mousetail, Gordon's Ivesia, Alpine Ivesia)
These small perennial plants are native to mountain ranges in the western United States, from Montana to California. These plants form tufts of foliage in rocky areas, with overlapping thick leaves that form a tail-like appearance. Flowers are light yellow and tiny. Individual plants reach up to 2-8 inches tall when mature.

Potentilla indica (Duchesnea indica) (Mock Strawberry, Indian Strawberry, Snake Berry, She Mei, 蛇莓, False Strawberry, Backyard Strawberry, Kiphaliya, Bush Snake Strawberry, Yabuhebiichigo, 藪蛇苺)
These plants are native to southern and eastern areas of Asia, and have been introduced to many other areas of the globe as a medicinal and ornamental plant. It is considered invasive in some areas of the United States and Canada. Flowers are slightly yellow, and plants reach about 3-5 inches tall. Mock Strawberry is considered invasive in the eastern United States, southern Canada, and Europe.

Potentilla marinensis (Horkelia marinensis) (Point Reyes Horkelia, Cinquefoil)
This rare species is endemic to the California coastline between Fort Bragg and Santa Cruz. Plants prefer beaches and other sandy environments. These perennials are low-growing, reaching about 12 inches tall and wide when mature. Foliage is strongly scented and stems are greenish-red. Flowers are white and bloom in dense inflorescences. Point Reyes Horkelia is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, and prefers mild coastal weather.

Potentilla nepalensis (Nepalese Cinquefoil, Nepal Cinquefoil)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing 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. Cultivars include 'Miss Willmott' (with dark-centered salmon flowers) and 'Ron McBeath' (pictured, with carmine blooms that have heart-shaped petals).

Potentilla neumanniana (Spring Cinquefoil, Alpine Cinquefoil, Spotted Cinquefoil)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing 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. Spring Cinquefoil is considered invasive in the United States and Canada.

Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil, Rough-Fruited Cinquefoil, Upright Cinquefoil)
This species grows well in zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24, and is native to Europe and Siberia. Forms a 1.5 to 2 foot tall clump of grey-green foliage and has a profuse bloom of yellow flowers in late spring. Not picky about soil. Cultivar 'Warrenii' reaches up to 2 feet tall with yellow flowers. This species is considered invasive in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, and Colorado.

Potentilla spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Cinquefoil)
This group of plants is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-9. 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. Cultivars with red, pink 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. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Abbotswood'
3 feet tall and just as wide, with white flowers.

'Daydawn'
4 feet tall and wide, with pink-flushed yellow flowers.

'Elizabeth'
3 feet high and 3.5 feet wide with bright yellow blossoms.

'Floppy Disc'
2-3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide with double deep pink blooms.

'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.

'Katherine Dykes'
3 feet tall and just as wide, with pale yellow blooms.

'Mount Everest'
Bushy, upright plant to 4.5 feet tall and wide with pure white flowers.

'Pink Beauty'
3 feet tall and wide, with pink flowers.

'Primrose Beauty'
2-3 feet tall and wide, with silver green foliage and yellow flowers.

'Red Ace'
2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide with bright red flowers with yellow centers.

'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.

Potentilla x tonguei (Staghorn Cinquefoil, Saffron Cinquefoil, Tongue's Cinquefoil)
This hybrid is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24 and has a clumping habit to 4 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide. Leaves are dark green and apricot flowers with red centers bloom in late spring or summer.

Caring for Potentilla

Potentilla, or Cinquefoil, shrubs are typically either grown from seed or purchased as specimens from a reputable nursery. Plant your Potentilla in full sun; ideally these shrubs should be getting between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day for the best results. These plants are not fussy about soil composition, as long as it is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered to be drought-tolerant, but will still need supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought.

Fertilize these plants yearly in springtime by pulling back mulch and laying down an inch or two of compost. Work the material into the soil, and then replace mulch and water. Pruning is simple for Potentilla shrubs; they bounce back well from haircuts. Prune off any dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing foliage or branches to improve structure and airflow through the center of plants. After a few years in the ground, Cinquefoil can start to look a bit scruffy. In late winter or springtime, the oldest and thickest canes can be pruned back to the ground to make room for new, vigorous growth. These shrubby plants bloom on new wood, so cutting back plants can also improve flowering the next season. Rejuvenation prunings should only be completed once every three to five years to avoid stressing the plant too much. In between large prunings, simply trim or lightly prune to maintain the desired shape. These flowering shrubs can survive for decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced if they are cared for properly.

Propagation

Potentilla, or Cinquefoil, can be propagated by cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Potentilla, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Potentilla by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Potentilla by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Potentilla seed heads will dry out and turn brown when ready to drop seeds.

Potentilla seeds are very tiny, and are typically tan to light brown in color.

Problems and Pests

Certain Potentilla species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Potentilla, or Cinquefoil, plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: