Silverweed Cinquefoil

potentilla intermedia

Also known as: ["Anemone quinquefolia","Argentina anserina"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Potentilla Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herb with creeping stems and bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Potentilla
Botanical Name: Potentilla intermedia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or mixed perennial beds
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil); wilting (underwatering or root issues).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun in summer; rotate pots for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce 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 drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates frost but may struggle above 80°F.

Protect from extreme heat; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before new growth emerges.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings root easily in summer.

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

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 1–2 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

Cut back old stems to basal growth; thin crowded branches; shape lightly.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/diseased wood.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before blooming; remove dead/diseased wood first.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; 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 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.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; may enter dormancy in severe cold.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering during dormancy.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may cease.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to avoid tender growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Potentilla intermedia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Potentilla intermedia can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Potentilla intermedia may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Potentilla intermedia due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Potentilla intermedia is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Potentilla intermedia is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Potentilla intermedia is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or consuming this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Potentilla intermedia toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should Potentilla intermedia be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry periods.

Q: Does Potentilla intermedia attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its bright yellow flowers.

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