Coptis quinquefolia

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five-leaved goldthread

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five-leaved goldthread RHS
Herbaceous Perennial
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A low-growing, evergreen perennial to 15cm,with shiny leaves up to 10cm across, divided into five leaflets. Solitary, white, five-petalled flowers are produced in late spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Coptis are low-growing perennials developing from creeping rhizomes. The small flowers are white or greenish-yellow and the evergreen foliage divided, with two to five leaflets
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Japan, Taiwan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Needs moist but well-drained, acid, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Suitable for an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free