Overview
Potentilla is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, low hedging and rock gardens.
About
Potentilla is a genus containing over 500 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Potentilla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Low hedging, Rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Potentilla
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla?
Potentilla prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Potentilla need?
Potentilla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Potentilla hardy in the UK?
Potentilla has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Potentilla?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentilla 'Flamenco'cinquefoil 'Flamenco'
- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla Megalantha CinquefoilCinquefoil
- Potentilla argyrophylla
- Potentilla atrosanguineadark crimson cinquefoil
- Potentilla nepalensisNepalese cinquefoil
- Potentilla nepalensis 'Master Floris'Nepal Cinquefoil
- Potentilla nepalensis 'Roxana'Nepal cinquefoil 'Roxana'