Slender Cinquefoil
potentilla gracilis
Also known as: ["Graceful Cinquefoil","Slender Five-finger"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial herb native to North America, known for its delicate, five-petaled yellow flowers and palmately compound leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla gracilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- 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 organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth annually.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH before planting.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; prefers cool summers; tolerates temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources; ensure good air flow in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid feeding in winter; use compost as a natural alternative.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; division in early spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring or fall for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); partial shade.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining soil for division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; division establishes in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old stems to basal growth; thin crowded areas; shape lightly after flowering.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/diseased wood; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; refresh soil; 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 fresh soil; water before repotting; place in shade for recovery.
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 aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth in prolonged cold; bud drop during temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn purple; growth slows; may die back in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect roots with burlap screens in extreme cold; avoid overwatering before freezes.
Hot Stress
Wilting; leaf drop; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use 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 gracilis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxins that would adversely affect feline health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla gracilis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla gracilis is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Potentilla gracilis be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Potentilla gracilis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Potentilla gracilis toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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