Cinquefoil

Potentilla spp.

Also known as

Buttercup shrub, Five fingers

Potentilla aurea (flower) by Hans Hillewaert (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Full Sun

Moderate watering

Half-hardy

6a-10a

USDA zone

-23°C

Minimum temperature

Expected size

Height		Spread
60cm	Max	1.5m
50cm	Min	1m

Flowering

spring
summer
autumn
winter

More images of Cinquefoil

A close up of some orange red Potentilla flowers

A close up of some yellow Potentilla flowers

A close up of a Potentilla plant with white flowers and green leaves

A close up of a Potentilla plant with pink red flowers and green leaves

Cinquefoil Overview

Potentilla is a genus of over 459 species of deciduous shrubs, herbaceous annuals, biennials and perennial plants in the rose family, Rosaceae. These plants are found around most of the world. They have palmately or pinnately divided foliage and saucer-shaped flowers resembling those of the strawberry plant. Flowers are often yellow, orange, red or white. Common names for members of the genus include Cinquefoil and Tormentil, and there are many garden cultivars and hybrids available, grown as ornamentals.

How to propagate Cinquefoil

Seed

You can propagate the perennial species by seeds in the autumn. Shrubby species may be raised by seed in autumn.

Division

Division.

Cuttings

Softwood or greenwood cuttings in summer.

Special features of Cinquefoil

Attractive flowers

Other uses of Cinquefoil

Attracts bees. Tall species, such as the shrubs, are useful in borders. Dwarf Potentillas are good for rock gardens and in containers. Suitable for coastal conditions.