Potentilla reptans

RHS Plant Profile
creeping cinquefoil
creeping cinquefoil RHS

Other common names

common cinquefoil, five finger grass, five leaf, Mary's five fingers, sink-field, pumdalen ymlusgol

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A low-growing perennial that spreads by creeping stems, rooting at the nodes. Leaves comprise five to seven serrated, hairless leaflets. Bright yellow flowers are borne in the leaf axils throughout summer into early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
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 to Himalaya

How to Grow

Cultivation

Found naturally in hedgerows, sand dunes, grassy places and rough ground. A useful addition to a species-rich lawn. See creeping cinquefoil for more information

Propagation

Propagate from creeping stems or propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free