perennial

Slender Cinquefoil

Potentilla gracilis

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Slender Cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis) at Eagle Crest Nursery

Slender Cinquefoil flowers

Slender Cinquefoil flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  12 inches

Flower Height:  24 inches

Spacing:  18 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Graceful Cinquefoil, Fanleaf Cinquefoil

Description:

This native plant features deep green palmate leaves with attractive silver undersides, that emerge from a woody crown; bright lemon yellow buttercup flowers rise above from early to late summer; perfect for naturalizing or wildflower gardens

Ornamental Features

Slender Cinquefoil has masses of beautiful cymes of yellow buttercup flowers rising above the foliage from early to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive small serrated narrow palmate leaves remain dark green in color with curious silver undersides throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Slender Cinquefoil is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Slender Cinquefoil is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Slender Cinquefoil will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of our region. It can be propagated by division.

Slender Cinquefoil is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone  Plant Height  Minimum Sunlight   
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture  Attracts Wildlife  Deer Resistant 
Features & Attributes