Potentilla erecta

RHS Plant Profile
tormentil
tormentil visionspictures.com

Other common names

blood root, ewe daisy, septfoil, erect cinquefoil

Synonyms

Potentilla tormentilla
Tormentilla erecta

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A creeping, clump-forming perennial wildflower with deeply cut green leaves that hug the ground. Bright yellow flowers are borne on long stalks up to 60cm high from May to October

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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, N Africa, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus