Family: Rosaceae
Common Name: Cinquefoil

There are around 500 species in this genus, most originating from temperate and very cold zones of the northern hemisphere. They can be divided into two broad groups: herbaceous, low-growing types to about 30 cm (12 in) high; and small shrubs, to about 1.5 m (5 ft) high. Most species are perennials; only a few are annuals. Some have a long history of use in herbal medicine. The flowers of the species have five petals and come in a variety of colours, from yellow through to pink and red. The strawberry-like, green leaves are quite smooth on top, white-downy below. Cultivars of some species have double flowers. The hybrid cultivars make excellent border plants, flowering freely from spring to autumn, with the main display in sunnier.

Species

P. atrosanguinea var. argyrophylla, zone 5, up to 1 m (3 ft) high, has toothed, oval leaves, gray-white and silky beneath, and yellow, summer flowers, about 3 cm (1 in) across.

P. atrosanguinea, zone 5, produces deep red flowers, the leaves being not as sharply toothed. This species and its varieties are excel-lent, hardy perennials for the mixed or herbaceous border, and flower over a very long period throughout summer and autumn.

P. fruticosa, shrubby cinquefoil, zone 2, is a densely leaved shrub, to 1.5 m (5 ft), with bright yellow flowers, 3 cm (1 in) across. This species will do well in most conditions. There are many cultivars available.

P. nepalensis, zone 5, from the Himalayas, grows to 90 cm (36 in) high, with red sterns and green leaves, prominently veined on both sides. A profusion of deep red or pink flowers appears on the slim, branching stems throughout summer. Cultivar 'Miss Willmott' is a dwarf type, bearing numerous, magenta flowers.

P. recta, zone 4, from central and southern Europe, grows 30-50 cm (12-20 in) high, with green leaves, up to 10 cm (4 in) long, and numerous, yellow flowers in early summer. In some countries, it has become a garden escape.

Cultivation

Easy to grow, potentillas like a sunny, well-drained position. They set seed freely and may be propagated by sowing seed in early spring. A temperature of 13°-18°C (55°-65°F) is necessary for germination. Hybrids will not come true from seed, but roots may be divided to produce new plants. Potentillas that produce runners will spread by rooting at the nodes on the runners. Shrubs can he propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, rooted in a garden frame.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.