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Herbaceous Perennial

Coptis quinquefolia

five-leaved goldthread

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
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

Get involved

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