About
Potentilla reptans, creeping cinquefoil, is a vigorous, low-growing perennial that spreads by creeping stems rooting at the nodes, with leaves of five to seven serrated, hairless leaflets. Bright-yellow, five-petalled flowers are borne in the leaf axils throughout summer into early autumn. A rewarding ground-cover 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.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Himalaya
ToxicityFruit 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
CultivationFound naturally in hedgerows, sand dunes, grassy places and rough ground. A useful addition to a species-rich lawn. See creeping cinquefoil for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from creeping stems or propagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free