How to Grow Potentilla - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Potentilla is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants in the rose family, rosaceae. they are collectively known as cinquefoils in europe and as potentillas in north america. most potentilla species are herbaceous perennials, but a few are shrubs, and some (particularly in asia) are annuals.

How to Grow Potentilla - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • cinquefoil
  • five-finger plant
  • five-leaved plant
  • fiveleaf plant
  • silverweed

Common Knowledge

  • Potentilla are a genus of approximately 300 species in the rose family, Rosaceae.
  • They are native to the temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority of species occurring in Asia.
  • The name "potentilla" comes from the Latin word for "little power", in reference to the plant's traditional medicinal use.
  • Potentilla are herbaceous plants that typically grow as perennials, although some species are annuals or biennials.
  • They have basal leaves that are usually palmately compound with 3-7 leaflets. The flowers are solitary or borne in small clusters, and have 5 petals that are yellow, white, or pink in color.
  • The fruits are dry, one-seeded capsules known as achenes.
  • Potentilla are found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, and woodlands.
  • Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants, and are used in landscaping and as garden flowers.
  • Some species of potentilla are considered to be invasive in some parts of the world.
  • Potentilla are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of certain moths.

Related plant:
Potentilla Fruticosa Abbotswood

How to Grow

  1. For potentilla, first step is to find a sunny location.
  2. Then, prepare the soil by tilling or digging it to a depth of about 12 inches.
  3. Next, mix in some organic matter such as compost or manure to help improve drainage and fertility.
  4. Once the soil is ready, you can sow the seeds directly or start them indoors in pots.
  5. If starting indoors, sow the seeds about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
  6. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain.
  7. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or into the garden.
  8. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
  9. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. When the plants are established, they should produce flowers from mid-summer onwards. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage further blooming.

The Soil

About soil condition, potentilla like a relatively dry and well-drained soil, and full sun to partial shade. It is not fussy about soil type, but it will not tolerate a wet location. If the soil is too rich, the plants will become rank and leggy.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, the Potentilla needs sunlight to grow. It is best to plant your Potentilla in an area that gets six to eight hours of sunlight each day. If you are growing your Potentilla indoors, put it near a south-facing window.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the (potentilla) is important to consider when growing this plant. The ideal temperature for (potentilla) growth is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. (Potentilla) can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but growth may be stunted if the temperature gets too hot or too cold. If you are growing (potentilla) in an area with extreme temperatures, it is important to take steps to protect the plant from the extreme conditions.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is one hundred percent. The leaves will be pointy and the flowers will be a deep yellow color. The plant will be about two feet tall and will be very bushy. If the humidity is not at one hundred percent, the leaves will be droopy and the flowers will be a light yellow color. The plant will be about one foot tall and will be very scraggly.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. A light feeding in the spring is all that is needed. As for the roots, they are relatively easy to care for. Just make sure that the plant is not sitting in water.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a potentilla plant. By pruning, you can control the shape and size of the plant, as well as encourage more flowering. The best time to prune a potentilla is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in spring, by taking root cuttings of fresh, young growth. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off, and they should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Place the cuttings in moistened potting mix, and keep them moist but not wet. They should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet per year, depending on the species. This makes them one of the slower growing shrubs. However, some species of potentilla can grow up to 3 feet per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests are all common in gardens and can be controlled with the proper insecticide. Spider mites love to feed on the leaves of potentilla plants, and they can quickly cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Whiteflies are small, winged insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

Tips on Growing

  • If you want to grow a potentilla plant that is truly potent, make sure to choose a cultivar that is known for its high levels of the active compound, cannabidiol (CBD).
  • Potentilla plants prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
  • Make sure to plant your potentilla in well-drained soil.
  • Water your potentilla regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • When the plant blooms, deadhead the flowers to encourage further blooming.
  • Harvest the leaves and flowers when they are at their peak potency.
  • Store the leaves and flowers in a cool, dry

You May Like

  • Potentilla argentea is white-flowered plant
  • Potentilla biennis is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla canadensis is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla cristata is white-flowered plant
  • Potentilla fruticosa is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla gracilis is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla indica is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla nepalensis is yellow-flowered plant
  • Potentilla petiolaris is white-flowered plant
  • Potentilla recta is yellow-flowered plant

Source:
Potentilla (Rutgers NJAES) - njaes.rutgers.edu
Potentilla flowers under ultraviolet – Bee the Best!
Potentilla norvegica | UMass Amherst Landscape, Nursery

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category