Species sulphur cinquefoil

sulphur cinquefoil

Potentilla recta

Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) is a perennial herbaceous plant found in dry, disturbed areas throughout much of Europe. It has a single, upright stem topped by a yellow flower with five petals. Its leaves are heavily divided into narrow leaflets with toothed edges and a slightly sticky texture. Sulphur cinquefoil prefers sunny, open areas, and is often seen clinging to old walls or hedgerows. It is drought resilient and spreads aggressively in the right conditions by reseeding itself abundantly, so is often considered an invasive species.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water the sulphur cinquefoil plant deeply but infrequently. During the growing season (spring and summer), water once a week during dry conditions and once every 2 weeks during normal conditions. Soak the soil to the root level and make sure the entire root system is saturated. During fall and winter, water as needed, usually when the top 2 inches of soil become dry. Make sure to check the soil each week to see if it needs moisture.

sunlight

The sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) needs bright, full sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. It should be planted in an area of the garden that receives about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with an especially intense summer sun, planting the cinquefoil in a slightly shaded area might be beneficial to prevent sunburn and water loss. If planted in a too shaded area, the plant may struggle to flower and may become spindly. In the winter, protection from cold winds and direct frost will help maintain the foliage.

pruning

Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) should be pruned twice a year—once in early spring and once in late summer. In early spring, prune the entire plant back to about 6 inches above the ground level. In late summer, prune any stems that grew during that season back to the same height. Pruning this plant gives it more light, promotes the growth of new stems, and helps minimize its tendency to spread. It is also an effective way to control its size and shape.

Season

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

Sulphur cinquefoil typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map