Great Cinquefoil

potentilla grandiflora

Also known as: ["Great Five-finger","Large-flowered Cinquefoil"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Potentilla Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub native to Europe, known for its bright yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Potentilla
Botanical Name: Potentilla grandiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border or rock garden in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soil but benefits from enrichment.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • 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 the oldest stems each year.
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; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), stunted growth (poor soil), or root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Morning sun is ideal; rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) when dormant.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent soil moisture in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize once in spring; use a balanced 10-10-10 formula; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-based mix, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to the base or just above a healthy bud; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove old or dead stems to promote flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead or diseased stems; shape the plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; 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 morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
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 for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop in extreme heat; delayed flowering or dieback in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, or lead to root damage if not properly insulated.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost with row covers or burlap; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower drop, or leaf scorch, especially in combination with drought.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with stems.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Potentilla prefers lean soil.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Potentilla grandiflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can affect photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Potentilla grandiflora is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced transpiration and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Potentilla grandiflora may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Potentilla grandiflora due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Potentilla grandiflora is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Potentilla grandiflora is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Potentilla grandiflora is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has not been reported to cause significant adverse effects when ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While generally safe, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material unless specifically approved for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Potentilla grandiflora be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.

Q: Does Potentilla grandiflora attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Is Potentilla grandiflora toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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