Golden Cinquefoil
potentilla aurea
Also known as: ["Golden Fivefinger","Yellow Cinquefoil"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with bright yellow flowers and palmately compound leaves, native to mountainous regions.
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 aurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; shape prune in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth annually to rejuvenate.
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 full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cold winters but requires protection from late frosts.
Protect from late frosts; water early to avoid heat stress; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root easily in summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid environment with indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above healthy buds; thin out crowded stems; remove dead or diseased wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; deadheading promotes continuous flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged wood; shape plant; deadhead regularly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or dieback; frost can damage tender new growth; prolonged cold may lead to dormancy or death.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth or burlap in late fall; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering; heat stress may cause premature senescence.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla aurea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla aurea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla aurea is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Potentilla aurea attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its bright yellow flowers.
Q: Is Potentilla aurea toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Potentilla aurea be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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