Alpine Cinquefoil (Potentilla crantzii)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates cold, windy alpine growing conditions

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Watering Water moderately; allow top 1–2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging

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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; prefers cool to temperate temperatures; avoid prolonged heat above 25°C

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Leaf: Palmately compound with 5 obovate, toothed leaflets; silvery-green and densely pubescent
Flower: Solitary five-petaled yellow blooms, 1–2 cm in diameter
Stem: Slender, ascending stems covered in fine, silvery hairs

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Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering during extended dry spells

Fertilization

Light feed with diluted organic fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth

Crushed eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface to improve drainage and add calcium; avoid overapplication to prevent soil alkalinity

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering throughout summer
Trim back faded foliage in late autumn to tidy the mat-forming growth habit
Remove any damaged or diseased stems in early spring before new growth emerges

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxic reactions

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental alpine groundcover; erosion control in rocky, sloped landscapes