White Cinquefoil
potentilla alba
Also known as: ["White Five-finger","White Five-finger Weed"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with white flowers and pinnate leaves, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla alba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in an open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- 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 stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
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).
Ensure good aeration; avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cold winters but needs protection from extreme heat.
Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from late frosts; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after flowering; use a liquid feed diluted to half strength for potted plants; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–70°F).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old stems to the base; thin out crowded branches; shape the plant as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape the 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, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid foliage.
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; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth may slow or stop; risk of frost damage in late spring or early fall.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla alba is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla alba is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla alba, commonly known as white cinquefoil, is not considered toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally in some herbal remedies, though its efficacy is not well-documented in modern scientific literature.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Potentilla alba toxic to pets?
A: No, Potentilla alba is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Potentilla alba be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Potentilla alba attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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