Potentilla hippiana (Colorado silvery cinquefoil) — Clump forming

Overview

Potentilla hippiana is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla hippiana 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 hippiana is a species of flowering plant, known by the common names woolly cinquefoil, horse cinquefoil, and Hipp's cinquefoil, in the rose family, Rosaceae.It is native to North America, where it occurs in western Canada and the western United States. It occurs in eastern Canada and the US state of Michigan as an introduced species. This perennial herb grows up to one-half meter (1 ft 8 in) tall from a thick caudex and taproot. The leaves are up to 19 centimeters (7.5 in) long or more and each is made up of several toothed leaflets. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include borders, low hedging and rock gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant after last frost in fertile soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla hippiana

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 hippiana 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 hippiana

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 hippiana?

Potentilla hippiana prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Potentilla hippiana need?

Potentilla hippiana 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.