Hairy Cinquefoil
potentilla hirta
Also known as: ["Hairy Five-finger","Hairy Five-leaf"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with hairy stems and leaves, producing small yellow flowers. Native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla hirta |
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":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- 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.
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 growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of garden soil and compost; avoid heavy clay; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F).
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care for seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; stop in fall to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Perlite or sand mixed with peat moss for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to healthy buds; thin out crowded areas; shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 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 pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare soil mix; water plant before repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
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 in the morning to reduce 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 perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; wilting or dieback in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla hirta is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla hirta is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla hirta is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla hirta toxic to pets?
A: No, Potentilla hirta is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Potentilla hirta?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Potentilla hirta attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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