Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' (Cinquefoil) — Clump forming, Matforming

Overview

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' is a clump forming, matforming perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Q46299 family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, low hedging, rockeries, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows.

About

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' is a cultivar within the Potentilla genus and is valued for an extended summer flowering run. It blooms from June to September. The plant belongs to a group of herbaceous Potentilla that are grown for their summer flowers and characteristic foliage. Expect a cultivar that follows the seasonal pattern typical of Potentilla flowering.

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 'Gibson's Scarlet' is a named cultivar in the Potentilla genus. Potentilla species and cultivars are part of a group of herbaceous flowering plants; growers select named forms such as 'Gibson's Scarlet' for their predictable summer display. For this cultivar the reliable flowering period in the UK is June to September. Position the plant where its flowering can be seen through the summer months. Give it a spot with good light and regular soil drainage to avoid water-logging; gardeners commonly avoid heavy, water-retentive soils for herbaceous Potentilla. Routine maintenance is straightforward: remove spent flowerheads to encourage continued bloom and tidy stems once the main flowering has finished. If the plant forms a clump or spreads with age, lift and divide in spring or autumn to renew vigour. Use Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' where late-spring to late-summer colour is needed in a border or mixed planting. It pairs with early-season bulbs and later perennials to extend interest through the warmer months. The key performance point for this cultivar is its dependable summer flowering window, which runs from June through to September in UK gardens.

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, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump forming, Matforming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Borders, Low hedging, Rockeries, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back old stems in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
Propagation: Seed, Division
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'?

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' need?

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' 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.

How do I prune Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'?

Cut back old stems in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.

Is Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' hardy in the UK?

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'?

Seed, Division.

More in the Potentilla genus

Browse all Potentilla →