Potentilla atrosanguinea (dark crimson cinquefoil) — shrub

Overview

Potentilla atrosanguinea is a shrub in the genus Potentilla, part of the Q46299 family. Potentilla atrosanguinea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and alpine gardens. It is native to Himalaya to Tibet.

About

Potentilla atrosanguinea is a shrub notable for its dark crimson flowers. It flowers from June to September. Native to the Himalaya and Tibet, it prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil in full sun or partial shade. The fruit are ornamental and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla atrosanguinea

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

In the garden

Potentilla atrosanguinea is a shrub from the Himalaya to Tibet that carries dark crimson blooms through June to September. It is traded also as Himalayan cinquefoil or ruby cinquefoil and suits sites where its summer flowers are visible against gravel, stone or an otherwise open foreground. Plant where soil drains freely: loamy or sandy substrates with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction suit it best. Position in full sun or light shade and allow for moderate soil moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions. The species tolerates both sheltered and more exposed sites, so it works equally well on a sunny border edge or a higher, airy rockery. Use Potentilla atrosanguinea in mixed borders, rock gardens and alpine plantings where compact shrub form and a reliable summer display are required. The fruit are ornamental and not for consumption—wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for more information and contact numbers if needed.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Potentilla

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, loamy, sandy
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moderate
Exposure: sheltered to exposed

Plant details

Potentilla atrosanguinea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: shrub
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, alpine gardens
Native to: Himalaya to Tibet
Toxicity: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Potentilla atrosanguinea

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: Seed, semi-ripe cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Potentilla atrosanguinea?

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Potentilla atrosanguinea?

Potentilla atrosanguinea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Potentilla atrosanguinea need?

Potentilla atrosanguinea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Potentilla atrosanguinea?

Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

How do I propagate Potentilla atrosanguinea?

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.

Is Potentilla atrosanguinea toxic?

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.

More in the Potentilla genus

Browse all Potentilla →