Potentilla arbuscula (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: well drained soil
Flowering period: Summer to early autumn
Eventual Height: 1.5m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Potentilla arbuscula is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. Its mid green leaves are odd pinnate with up to five leaflets and borne upon a dense branching structure. Its leaflets are elliptic with entire margins, up to 2cm long and 15mm wide. The yellow flowers are saucer shaped, up to 3cm across and appear solitary and terminally. Its fruit are achene.
Potentilla arbuscula Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Potentilla arbuscula, commonly known as Cinquefoil, is native to south China and the Himalayas region. In its native habitat it grows on rocky slopes.
The etymological root of the binomial name Potentilla is derived from the Latin potens, meaning ‘potent. Arbuscula is derived from the Latin meaning ‘resembling a small tree’.
When available the landscape architect may find Potentilla arbuscula useful a low maintenance shrub in hard to maintain areas such as slopes and banks.
Ecologically, Potentilla fruticosa is attractive various species of pollinating insects such as honey bees and butterflies.
Potentilla arbuscula Flower (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Potentilla arbuscula prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Potentilla arbuscula requires little to no maintenance. Dead or damaged material may be removed in mid to late spring.
