Cinquefoil
potentilla reptans
Also known as: ["Creeping Cinquefoil","Prostrate Cinquefoil"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial with creeping stems and palmately lobed leaves, producing bright yellow flowers.
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 reptans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in open space
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soil but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering to tidy up.
- 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 harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best flowering; partial shade in extreme heat; rotate regularly for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates frost but may die back in severe cold.
Protect from extreme cold; water more in heat; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize once a year in spring; use a balanced formula; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; runners can also be rooted.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 3–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or just above a healthy bud; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control spread, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
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 to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in heat; leaf drop or browning in cold; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; plant may die back to the crown in severe frost.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; provide winter protection in zones below 6; prune dead growth in spring.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla reptans is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla reptans is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla reptans is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla reptans invasive?
A: It can spread vigorously but is generally not considered invasive in most regions.
Q: Does Potentilla reptans attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should Potentilla reptans 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 growi |
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