Emilie Cinquefoil (Potentilla 'Emilie')

Emilie Cinquefoil

Potentilla 'Emilie'

Cheerful yellow blooms carpet low foliage all summer. Compact flowering shrub; common name: Emilie Cinquefoil.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms in unobstructed full sun
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; drought tolerant once fully established
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Temperature Extremely cold hardy to -30°C; tolerates warm summer temperatures with consistent moisture
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Palmate compound leaves with 5 oval, serrated leaflets; soft gray-green foliage with fine hairs
  • Flower: Bright yellow, saucer-shaped blooms with 5 rounded petals; clustered densely at stem tips
  • Stem: Slender, branching, slightly hairy stems that spread outward to form a compact mound
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during extended dry spells to support continuous blooming

Fertilization

Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried, clean eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon around the base of each plant and water in gently to release nutrients
Pruning
  • Prune back the entire plant by one-third in early spring to encourage bushy, compact growth
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong the flowering period
  • Remove any damaged, diseased, or leggy stems throughout the growing season to maintain plant health
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects expected from ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and accidental ingestion in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover, rock garden edging, border planting, container gardening