Species cinquefoil
white flowers with yellow center and stamens, olive buds, leaves and olive stems

cinquefoil

Potentilla alba

Cinquefoil (Potentilla alba) is a flowering herbaceous perennial native to northern Europe and Siberia. It grows in sunny or shady exposures and thrives in a range of soils. Its creamy white flowers have five shaggy petals with yellow centres, and they attract a variety of pollinators. Cinquefoil can reach up to two feet in height and has long narrow, dark green leaves. Easy to grow and easy to maintain, cinquefoil is a wonderful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cinquefoil requires regular watering throughout the growing season in order to remain healthy and produce vibrant, plentiful blooms. Water cinquefoil deeply once per week during the growing season (spring through summer). During summer months, cinquefoil needs extra water, so may require twice a week watering, especially in hot, dry weather. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. In winter, when the plant is partially or fully dormant, water less often. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but ensure it is not completely dried out.

sunlight

Cinquefoil (Potentilla alba) prefers full sun exposure for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. They are also tolerant of partial shade in the late afternoon. When grown in full sun cinquefoil will bloom more profusely and the foliage will stay greener and more compact. As with most plants, plants will do best in filtered sun or when given shade during the hottest part of the day, which helps keep the plant from wilting.

pruning

Cinquefoil (Potentilla alba) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, cutting the mature stems down to about 10-15 cm from the ground. It is best to prune out any weakened or dead stems to encourage new growth. Remove any suckers at the base of the plant. After pruning, fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to promote healthy vigorous growth. Deadheading flowers can also help to encourage continual blooming during the summer months.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Cinquefoil typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map