Guide to Growing Cinquefoil - Potentilla
Potentilla usually grow as hardy perennial sub shrubs and range in height from 8 to 60 cm.
The time that they come into bloom is dependent upon the Potentilla species and may be anytime from the middle of spring through to the autumn.
They carry circular flowers of white, yellow or red atop wiry stems.
Their small size makes Potentilla an ideal plant to grow in rock gardens.
A common name for Potentilla is Cinquefoil.
Potentilla by ndrwfgg.
How to grow Cinquefoil
The seeds of Potentilla species such as Cinquefoil can be sowed in either early autumn or early spring. They should be sown from 20 to 45 cm apart (depending upon Potentilla species size), and the seeds lightly covered. Cinquefoil likes to grow in a sandy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5 to 7). Ideally they should grow in a sunny part of the garden but prefer partial shade in the afternoon.
If starting indoors then do so about two months in advance. The Cinquefoil seeds take from two to four weeks to germinate, and the young Cinquefoil seedlings should be transplanted into the garden either at the start of autumn or before the last frost of spring.
Caring for Cinquefoil - Potentilla
Cinquefoil and other Potentilla are easy to grow and look after. The flowering stems should be cut back in the autumn, and a light topdressing of organic matters every spring will do wonders. If you require more Potentilla plants then they can be propagated by taking cuttings in autumn, or by division in the spring.