Overview
Potentilla sterilis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla sterilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, low hedging and rock gardens.
About
Potentilla sterilis, commonly known as barren strawberry, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and produces saucer-shaped flowers with five petals during spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, exposed sites with well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for borders, low hedging, and rock gardens. Cultivation involves planting after the last frost in fertile soil, with propagation by seed or division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Potentilla sterilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Low hedging, Rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Potentilla sterilis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla sterilis?
Potentilla sterilis prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Potentilla sterilis need?
Potentilla sterilis 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 well-drained.
Is Potentilla sterilis hardy in the UK?
Potentilla sterilis 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 sterilis?
Seed, Division.
More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentillacinquefoil
- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil
- Potentilla arenaria
- Potentilla atrosanguinea var. argyrophylla 'Orange Starlit'
- Potentilla caulescens
- Potentilla collina
- Potentilla drummondii
- Potentilla flabelliformis
