Nepal Cinquefoil

potentilla nepalensis

Also known as: ["Red Cinquefoil","Nepalese Five-finger"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Potentilla Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous perennial herb native to the Himalayas, known for its bright pink to red flowers and palmately compound leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners 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 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.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh 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 soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates cold winters.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from late frosts; ensure good ventilation in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly after flowering; use a balanced 10-10-10 formula; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in late summer or early fall; division in early spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late summer for cuttings; early spring for division.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–70°F).

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.

Timeline

Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; 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.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or weak stems annually to improve air circulation and encourage flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; dispose of 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 necessary; repot in fresh soil with improved drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing runoff and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

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

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; yellowing in temperature extremes.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows; frost can damage new growth if not protected.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; cover with frost cloth during freezes.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf drop, or scorching; 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 appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rate; water thoroughly after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce feeding in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

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

Leaf spots on Potentilla nepalensis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

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

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Potentilla nepalensis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Potentilla nepalensis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Potentilla nepalensis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Potentilla nepalensis be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase watering during dry spells.

Q: Does Potentilla nepalensis attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Is Potentilla nepalensis 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
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Alpine Cinquefoil
View
Mountain Mahogany
View
Rock Bramble
View
Creeping Avens
View