Rock Cinquefoil
Potentilla rupestris

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Potentilla rupestris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Basic rocks and woody slopes in mountains. Dry sunny rocky slopes in the mountains.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, W. and C. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a tea.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a well-drained loam, preferring a position in full sun but tolerating shade. Prefers an alkaline soil but tolerates a slightly acid soil. Succeeds in dry soils in the wild. Hardy to about -25°c. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. foliosa.