Thurber's Cinquefoil
potentilla thurberi
Also known as: ["Thurber's Five-finger","Thurber's Five-fingers"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and palmately compound leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Potentilla |
| Botanical Name: | Potentilla thurberi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- 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 the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure adequate light if grown indoors near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
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 until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost in colder zones; provide shade in summer heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; fertilize before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright, indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks. Plants may take an additional growing season to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch. Remove crossing or crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems. Pruning also promotes better flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Container-grown plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. Incorporate perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in response to temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or cause leaf drop, but established plants are generally hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter to insulate roots. Move container plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -20°F (-29°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid feed; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (April to August). Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPotentilla thurberi is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicPotentilla thurberi is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicPotentilla thurberi is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Potentilla thurberi be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Potentilla thurberi attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Potentilla thurberi toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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