Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans)

Creeping Cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans

Its trailing stems spread soft green carpets dotted with butter-yellow blooms. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: Creeping Cinquefoil.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates light shade in hot summer climates and light drought once established
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Cold-hardy to -15°C; adapts to temperate seasonal fluctuations; avoid prolonged heat above 35°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Palmate compound leaves with 5 obovate, toothed leaflets; bright green, slightly hairy texture
  • Flower: Five-petaled, butter-yellow blooms (1–2 cm diameter) held above foliage
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, rooting at nodes to form dense mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light top-dressing with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without burning delicate roots
Pruning
  • Trim back overgrown trailing stems in early spring to encourage compact, dense growth
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period
  • Remove any diseased or yellowing foliage to maintain plant health and airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

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: Groundcover for slopes, rock gardens, or between paving stones; erosion control in temperate landscapes