Cinquefoil (Potentilla atrosanguinea)
Potentilla atrosanguinea, or Himalayan Cinquefoil, is a low-maintenance, dark red flowering perennial known for drought tolerance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Potentilla atrosanguinea, or Himalayan Cinquefoil, brings reliable color to northern gardens with its distinctive ruby-red, rose-like flowers. This vigorous herbaceous perennial is valued by gardeners for its low maintenance needs and excellent winter hardiness, thriving where summers remain cool. It forms attractive spreading mounds of deeply divided, glossy green foliage.
This species of Cinquefoil is native to the lower mountain slopes of the Himalayas. Although it prefers full sun, the Potentilla atrosanguinea tolerates light shade, making it versatile for various garden placements. Once established, it demonstrates a respectable drought tolerance, fitting well into water-wise landscape designs.
Aesthetically, the dark crimson blooms create a striking accent from early summer into August. The common name Cinquefoil derives from the Latin for “five leaves,” referencing the typical leaflet count on its palmate foliage. Incorporating Potentilla atrosanguinea ensures consistent texture and color with minimal fuss, provided your climate avoids intensely hot and humid summers south of Zone 7.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Himalayas
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Dark red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Potentilla atrosanguinea in the spring or early fall in locations receiving full day sun, adjusting slightly to light shade if necessary. The soil should be average, moist, but crucially, well-drained. Proper drainage is essential to maximize the excellent winter hardiness this perennial exhibits.
Water regularly during the initial establishment period to encourage a robust root system. Established plants of this Cinquefoil possess respectable drought tolerance, requiring only medium water volumes overall. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; rich soils can sometimes lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
These plants are tough performers in cooler northern climates. Gardeners in southern regions (Zone 7 and warmer) should monitor performance closely, as they often suffer in hot, humid summer conditions. Potentilla atrosanguinea may reseed modestly in ideal garden conditions, allowing naturalizing throughout the season.
Landscape Uses
The vibrant, dark red flowers of this Cinquefoil make it an exceptional choice for adding splashes of deep color along garden Borders. Its uniform height (1.5 to 2.5 feet) ensures it functions well in the middle ground, providing contrast to lower-growing border plants or acting as an effective edging element against taller shrubs.
Additionally, Potentilla atrosanguinea is well-suited for Rock gardens. Its moderate spread and tolerance for average soils mean it integrates beautifully among stone features, where quick drainage mimics its native mountainous habitat. Consider pairing this plant with silvery foliage or plants that bloom in shades of yellow or white to accentuate the deep ruby tones of the bloom clusters.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Potentilla atrosanguinea, commonly known as Himalayan cinquefoil or ruby cinquefoil, is a vigorous herbaceous perennial of the rose family that typically grows in spreading mounds to 18-30” tall. Each plant features a clump of long-stalked, palmate, basal leaves, with each leaf being divided into 3 finger-like, long-petioled, oblong-lanceolate, serrate-dentate, glossy dark green leaflets (to 1.5” long) which are white-tomentose below. Five-petaled, rose-like, ruby red flowers (3/4” across) bloom in spring (late April - June) in loose clusters (2-5 flowered apical cymes) which rise above the foliage to 30” tall. The common name of cinquefoil comes from the Latin words qunique meaning five and folium meaning leaf in reference to the 5 leaflets found on the leaves of some genus plants.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
This Cinquefoil generally presents No serious insect or disease problems, lending itself to low-maintenance gardening. Because it is relatively pest-free, gardeners can focus on site selection rather than chemical intervention. Ensure sharp drainage, especially in winter, to prevent root rot, which is the most common cause of difficulty with this otherwise sturdy perennial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cinquefoil suitable for?
Potentilla atrosanguinea is well-suited for USDA Zones 5 through 7, exhibiting excellent winter hardiness in these ranges.
How large does Potentilla atrosanguinea grow?
This perennial typically reaches heights between 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall, spreading outward to occupy 1 to 2 feet of space.
When does Potentilla atrosanguinea bloom?
The primary bloom time for this dark red flowering Cinquefoil is from June through August, often offering a pleasant repeat bloom later in the fall.
What sun exposure does Cinquefoil need?
It thrives best when exposed to full sun, although it retains good color and performs adequately in locations receiving part shade.
Conclusion
The Potentilla atrosanguinea offers substantial landscape value through its reliable, deep red summertime flowers and remarkably low maintenance requirements. This resilient Himalayan Cinquefoil is an excellent addition for borders and rockeries within its specified hardiness range. Before planting, confirm your local climate fits within USDA Zones 5-7 to ensure the best possible long-term performance for your new perennial.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for your Potentilla atrosanguinea, consider plants that complement its medium water needs and love of full or partial sun. Silver-leaved groundcovers offer a beautiful visual break next to the dark green foliage. Plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or certain silver artemisias can enhance the ruby tones of the bloom.
For perennial borders, pair this Cinquefoil with other late-season bloomers that appreciate drier conditions once established. Lavender (Lavandula) or hardy Geranium varieties that tolerate some dryness make excellent partners, ensuring consistent mid-summer interest without conflicting horticultural requirements.
Propagation Tips
The easiest method for increasing your stock of Potentilla atrosanguinea is through simple division. Every three to four years, typically in early spring before new growth fully emerges, carefully dig up the clump. Gently separate the dense root mass into wedges, ensuring each division retains healthy root and crown structure.
Replant these divisions immediately into the prepared garden soil according to standard spacing guidelines. This process rejuvenates older plants and allows successful propagation, creating more vigorous specimens of this handsome ruby-flowered perennial. Furthermore, this Cinquefoil may reseed itself naturally if conditions are optimal.
