About

Potentilla recta, the sulphur cinquefoil, is an upright, perennial to 60 cm with erect, hairy stems bearing five- to seven-leaflet leaves. Branched, leafy stems bear clusters of pale-yellow flowers 2 cm across in summer. A rewarding and long-flowering border plant for a sunny, well-drained position.

About the genus

Potentilla are herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or annuals with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and saucer-shaped, five-petalled flowers in yellow, white, pink or red over a long season. Widely grown in borders and rock gardens.

Plant details

Suggested usesBedding, containers, hanging baskets.

Care notes

CultivationPlant after last frost in fertile soil.
PruningDeadhead regularly.
PropagationGrow from seed in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.