Potentilla delavayana

About

Potentilla delavayana is a species within the genus Potentilla (family Rosaceae) that flowers in the UK from June to September. It sits in a group of mainly herbaceous plants whose blooms are commonly yellow and whose leaves are often palmate. The Potentilla genus occurs widely across the northern continents. Fruit on Potentilla species is typically dry and inedible.

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 delavayana belongs to the Potentilla genus in the rose family, a large group of mainly herbaceous species distributed across the northern continents. Members of the genus commonly produce yellow flowers and palmate leaves; this species follows the same summer-flowering pattern, producing its display between June and September. Allow the summer bloom period to guide siting and maintenance. A free-draining position with good light will best show the flowers; avoid prolonged waterlogging. After flowering, cutting back spent stems tidies the plant and encourages fresh growth for the following season. Apply a light mulch in autumn where winters are cold to moderate soil movement through freeze–thaw. Use Potentilla delavayana where a summer display of small, usually yellow flowers is wanted: it suits gravel areas, open mixed borders and planted rock faces where the blooms can be seen close to eye level. Its habit and modest foliage make it a useful element for filling gaps in summer schemes without overwhelming taller perennials. Do not expect edible fruit from this species, as Potentilla fruit are generally dry and inedible.

More in the Potentilla genus

Browse all Potentilla →