Water
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as Potentilla verna prefers well-drained conditions. Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy.
Ensure good drainage in pots or beds to prevent root rot.
Also known as Spotted Cinquefoil · Spring Cinquefoil
Potentilla verna, commonly known as Spring Cinquefoil, is a low-growing perennial with delicate yellow flowers, ideal for rock gardens and groundcover.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Good drainage is crucial.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy, chalky soils
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including frost. Prefers moderate climates.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can reduce blooms.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as Potentilla verna prefers well-drained conditions. Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy.
Ensure good drainage in pots or beds to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Remove dead or faded flowers regularly to promote more blooms.
For overgrown plants, a more significant prune can be done in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid hard pruning into old wood.
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully separate the root clumps, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Alternatively, sow seeds in autumn or early spring.
Cuttings can also be taken in summer and rooted in moist, well-drained soil.
Repot young plants annually or biennially in spring to provide fresh soil and space for root growth. Mature plants may only need repotting every 2-3 years.
Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cinquefoil (Potentilla verna)
Where Cinquefoil (Potentilla verna) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Potentilla |
| Species | Potentilla verna |
Similar in genus Potentilla
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
