Alpine Cinquefoil
potentilla caulescens
Also known as: ["Alpine Five-finger","Mountain Cinquefoil"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb native to alpine regions, characterized by its palmately compound leaves and small, yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla caulescens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–30°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 but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily in cooler climates, or dappled sunlight in hotter regions to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon heat in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch; rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid frequent shallow watering, and adjust frequency based on season and weather conditions.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cold but benefits from protection in severe frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures to avoid shock.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer root most reliably.
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 when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back leggy stems to a healthy bud; remove dead or damaged branches; thin out overcrowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems; focus on improving air circulation and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before new growth; remove dead wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenating soil and encouraging new growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage if not protected; frost can damage tender new growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; heat stress may cause the plant to go dormant.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to allow for winter dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla caulescens is not known to be toxic to cats. It poses no significant risk if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla caulescens is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant risk if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla caulescens is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla caulescens suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in rock gardens due to its preference for well-drained, rocky soils and alpine conditions.
Q: How often should Potentilla caulescens be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Potentilla caulescens attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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