Rocky Mountain Cinquefoil

drymocallis rupestris

Also known as: ["Potentilla rupestris"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Drymocallis Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herb with yellow flowers, native to rocky slopes and meadows in mountainous regions.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Drymocallis
Botanical Name: Drymocallis rupestris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize less in winter; use a balanced formula; water before applying fertilizer.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut back leggy stems; remove spent flowers

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active 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 every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; 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 directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; browning or blackening of leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; apply a layer of mulch for insulation; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide partial shade; increase humidity; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Drympeallis rupestris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Drymocallis rupestris can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Drymocallis rupestris may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Drymocallis rupestris if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Drymocallis rupestris is not known to be toxic to cats. It is generally safe for feline ingestion in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Drymocallis rupestris is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small amounts.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior, though the plant is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Drymocallis rupestris is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Drymocallis rupestris attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Is this plant suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils typical of rock gardens.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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