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Potentilla alba
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white-flowered cinquefoil

A spreading blue-green perennial reaching 15cm tall. The leaves have five neat leaflets with pure white 5-petalled flowers for many weeks in spring

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched, Matforming
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & E Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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