Potentilla × tonguei

RHS Plant Profile
staghorn cinquefoil
staghorn cinquefoil RHS 2002

Other common names

Tongue cinquefoil

Synonyms

Potentilla 'Tonguei'

Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial to 12cm in height, forming a clump of spreading stems bearing dark green leaves with 3-5 obovate leaflets. Red-centred, apricot yellow flowers are borne in loose clusters in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

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

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus