Sulfur Cinquefoil
potentilla recta
Also known as: ["Sulphur Cinquefoil","Scotch Cinquefoil"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with pale yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves, native to Europe and Western Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla recta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or open meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter. Tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal for optimal flowering.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; ensure unobstructed sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold winters and moderate heat.
Protect from frost in early spring/late fall; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth; fertilize only when actively growing; use a low-nitrogen formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–6 weeks; plants may be ready to transplant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old stems to the base; thin out crowded branches; shape as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering. Remove dead or weak growth annually.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Potentilla is often grown in the ground, where repotting is not needed.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; may experience dieback in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat; soil may dry out rapidly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply lightly, as Potentilla is not heavy feeder. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest Potentilla recta. The plant's roots and leaves contain compounds that can irritate the feline digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Potentilla recta can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The compounds present in the roots and leaves may cause irritation to the dog's digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPotentilla recta contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's roots and leaves are the primary sources of these compounds, which may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla recta toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Sulfur Cinquefoil grow?
A: It spreads by seed and rhizomes, thriving in sunny, dry conditions.
Q: Is it suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, it is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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