Growing Cinquefoil (Bush)

Botanical Name:

Potentilla

Life Cycle:

perennial

Planting Time:

spring or fall

Height:

2' to 4'

Exposure:

full sun to partial shade

Soil:

average to rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; drought tolerant

Hardiness:

zones 3 to 9 (except Florida and Gulf Coast)

Bloom Time:

early summer to fall

Flower:

yellow, orange, pink and red buttercup-like flowers depending on variety

Foliage:

green leaves densely set on branches.

Propagation:

seeds, cuttings (late spring/early summer) or division (fall/spring)

Suggested Use:

borders, shrubby ground cover, low growing hedges, rock gardens and mass displays

Growing Hints:

Start from seeds by sowing in containers in a cold frame during the fall or spring. Starting in early summer and producing less toward fall, these low-growing plants flower longer over the course of a season than most other shrubs. They prefer lots of sunshine and will thrive in any soil as long as it drains well.

Interesting Facts:

The name "Cinquefoil" means "five leaves, " although the number of leaves on a stem actually varies from three to seven.