Overview
Potentilla arenaria is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla arenaria 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 arenaria is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Potentilla genus, known for its deciduous foliage and saucer-shaped flowers with five petals. This cultivar thrives in full sun and is well suited to exposed, south- or west-facing aspects. It grows well in a variety of well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for borders, low hedging, and rock gardens, with interest spanning spring and summer. Cultivation is best after the last frost in fertile soil, and propagation can be achieved by seed or division.
About the genus
Potentilla is a genus containing over 500 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Potentilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla
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 arenaria 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 arenaria
- 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 arenaria?
Potentilla arenaria prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Potentilla arenaria need?
Potentilla arenaria 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 arenaria hardy in the UK?
Potentilla arenaria 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 arenaria?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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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'
