Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)

Sulphur Cinquefoil

Potentilla recta

Bright sulphur-yellow blooms carpet sunny meadows, cheerful and drought-tough. Herbaceous perennial; common name: Sulphur Cinquefoil.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in hot, dry sunny conditions and tolerates light afternoon shade in extreme heat
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; highly drought-tolerant once fully established
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Temperature Extremely cold-hardy; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C with no frost damage concerns in temperate zones
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnately compound leaves with 5–7 oblong leaflets, serrated margins, and fuzzy, hairy texture
  • Flower: Five-petalled sulphur-yellow blooms (1–2 cm diameter) clustered at upright stem tips
  • Stem: Erect, hairy green stems branching near the upper portion
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly until established; reduce frequency once deep taproot develops

Fertilization

No regular fertilization required. Lean soil supports compact, abundant flowering

Composted eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer around the base in early spring; no dilution needed; avoid overapplication to prevent soil alkalinity buildup
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through mid-summer
  • Cut back all stems to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no risk of poisoning for cats

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

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental low-growing groundcover for sunny, low-maintenance landscapes; historical use in herbal remedies for minor skin irritations