Potentilla nepalensis (Nepalese cinquefoil) — perennial

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

Potentilla nepalensis is a perennial that forms low mounds of compound, strawberry-like leaves and produces cup-shaped, five-petalled flowers in cherry red to deep pink. It reaches about 0.6 m in height and flowers from June to September. Plants originate from the western Himalaya, including Nepal and Pakistan. Fruit are ornamental and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla nepalensis

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.

More in the Potentilla genus

Browse all Potentilla →