Overview
Potentilla nepalensis is a perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Potentilla nepalensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W Himalaya, Nepal and Pakistan.
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 nepalensis comes from the western Himalaya—native across Pakistan and Nepal—where it grows at altitude in open, grazing ground. In cultivation it retains a compact, mound-forming habit with divided, strawberry-like leaves and conspicuous red to deep-pink, five-petalled blooms produced through the summer (June to September). Give it a sunny position; the species prefers full sun and will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they remain moist but well-drained. It is rated H7 (fully hardy) in the UK, so it will withstand typical winter conditions; in heavy or poorly drained clay consider planting on a slight rise or in a raised bed and incorporating grit to improve drainage. At roughly 0.6 m tall, Potentilla nepalensis suits the front of a perennial border, sunny gravel beds or a mixed cottage border where a low, flowering mound is wanted. Avoid shaded, waterlogged sites. Note that the fruit are ornamental and must not be eaten; wear gloves when handling and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for advice regarding pets and contact numbers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Potentilla nepalensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- W Himalaya, Nepal, Pakistan
- 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 nepalensis
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla nepalensis?
Potentilla nepalensis prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Potentilla nepalensis need?
Potentilla nepalensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Potentilla nepalensis grow?
Potentilla nepalensis reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Potentilla nepalensis hardy in the UK?
Potentilla nepalensis 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 nepalensis?
Seed, division.
Is Potentilla nepalensis 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentilla 'Flamenco'cinquefoil 'Flamenco'
- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla Megalantha CinquefoilCinquefoil
- Potentilla argyrophylla
- Potentilla atrosanguineadark crimson cinquefoil
- Potentilla nepalensis 'Master Floris'Nepal Cinquefoil
- Potentilla nepalensis 'Roxana'Nepal cinquefoil 'Roxana'
- Potentilla 'Congo'Cinquefoil