Potentilla reptans
creeping cinquefoil
P. reptans is a low-growing perennial that spreads from its creeping stems, rooting at the nodes. Serrated, hairless and rounded leaves are held in groups of five to seven. Yellow flowers, like flat buttercups, are borne in the leaf axils throughout summer into early autumn
Other common names
common cinquefoilfive finger grass
see morefive leaf
Mary's five fingers
sink-field
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
- Europe to Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Found naturally in hedgerows, sand dunes, grassy places and rough ground
Propagation
Propagate from creeping stems or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.