Also known as Cinquefoil · 483 saves
Potentilla
Potentilla, the genus most gardeners know as cinquefoil. We track 20 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Potentilla varieties
Browse all 20 Potentilla varieties →
6 species of Potentilla
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Potentilla in Sow
Save the Potentilla you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Potentilla
Whats common across all Potentilla varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them.
The Potentilla year
- PruneMarch95% of varieties
Shape lightly in late winter; cut back 1/3 of oldest stems for rejuvenation
- MulchMay60% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- PlantApril, May, October and November45% of varieties
Plant container stock in spring or fall
- Check for PestsJune–August35% of varieties
Monitor foliage for spider mites during hot, dry summer spells.
Do
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
- Plant in full sun for the most prolific blooming.
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Do not plant in poorly drained, constantly wet soil.
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Potentilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or yellowing foliage, especially in hot, dry weather. | Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage and stippled, yellowing leaves during hot, dry weather. | Blast the foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge mites, or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Japanese beetles | Skeletonized leaves where only the veins remain. | Hand-pick beetles in the early morning and drop them into soapy water. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf Spot | Small, dark spots on the leaves, which can cause minor defoliation. | Generally not serious. Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves. Ensure good air circulation. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, powdery fungal coating on leaves and stems during humid conditions. | Space plants to improve air circulation and water at the base to keep foliage dry. |
Making more Potentilla
Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in late spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings of new growth in early summer.
- Remove the lower leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in moist potting mix and cover to retain humidity.
- Roots form in 4-6 weeks.
Potentilla questions
How many types of Potentilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Potentilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 483 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Potentilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Potentilla covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Potentilla bloom?
Most Potentilla varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to fall, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Potentilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.