Overview
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Potentilla recta var. sulphurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.
About
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea, known as sulphur cinquefoil, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and is adaptable to all garden aspects and exposures, including both exposed and sheltered sites. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, making it versatile for different garden conditions. Its season of interest is summer.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Potentilla recta var. sulphurea
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla recta var. sulphurea?
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Potentilla recta var. sulphurea need?
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Potentilla recta var. sulphurea grow?
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Potentilla recta var. sulphurea hardy in the UK?
Potentilla recta var. sulphurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Potentilla recta var. sulphurea?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentilla 'Flamenco'cinquefoil 'Flamenco'

- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil

- Potentilla Megalantha CinquefoilCinquefoil
- Potentilla argyrophylla

- Potentilla 'Congo'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla 'Etna'cinquefoil 'Etna'
- Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla 'Gloire de Nancy'Cinquefoil
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