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Herbaceous Perennial

Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'
  • RHS AGM

cinquefoil 'Gibson's Scarlet'

A herbaceous perennial forming a clump of dark green, palmate leaves, with stems to 45cm bearing loose clusters of brilliant scarlet, dark-eyed single flowers 3cm in width

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Might die back naturally at the end of the season otherwise cut back stems that remain to ground level in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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