Anglica Cinquefoil
potentilla anglica
Also known as: ["Anglica Five-finger","Anglica Five-fingers"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with palmately compound leaves and small yellow flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla anglica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may flower less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers cool summers and cold winters; tolerates temperatures down to -20°C.
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources; ensure good air flow in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root easily in summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, keep moist, provide warmth and humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
Warm (18–24°C), humid, and shaded until roots form.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam; keep moist but not waterlogged.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or basal growth; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation and encourage flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, cut at 45° angle, remove dead/diseased wood, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil, trim roots, position plant, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch with organic material.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth may slow or stop; roots can freeze in poorly insulated soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; plant in a sheltered location; use frost cloth in extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water before/after, stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to prevent tender growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla anglica is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a health risk upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla anglica is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla anglica is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla anglica toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Potentilla anglica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Potentilla anglica?
A: It is easy to care for and requires low maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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