Grow Wild to Know Wild
Shrubby Cinquefoil(Potentilla fruticosa)

Flowers: June - September
Preferred site: sunny

©Jane Smart /Plantlife

Description: very colourful, compact, low, deciduous native plant. Masses of bright buttercup-yellow flowers 2.5cm across. Shrub grows to 11cm tall with downy stems and leaves

UK distribution: Located in two areas of northern England (Teesdale and Lakeland).

Habitats in the wild: found on basic, damp rock ledges and silty, sandy or gravelly river-flats liable to inundation. It also occurs as a garden escape or relic in waste places.

Conservation status and threats: a rare species whose native populations are restricted to Upper Teesdale and Cumbria. It has also been recorded as an alien at various locations throughoutt Britain. A Near Threatened species which appears to be stable in Britain and has no clearly identified threats..

Foklore and uses: tea is made from the dried leaves. The leaves are astringent (reducing flow of secretions) and the juice of the root is used in the treatment of indigestion (Plants for a future).

Position in garden : an attractive and easily grown small shrub for a sunny position in the garden. Plants will flower poorly in shade.

How to plant and when: plants will tolerate most well-drained soils in the garden, and should be planted in autumn or spring. Water well when planting, but otherwise the shrub should not require further watering once established.

Propagation: easily propagated from semi-ripe cuttings 2 - 3 inches long, taken in summer and inserted into a normal cutting mix. Keep the cuttings in a shaded position in a greenhouse, frame or windowsill until rooting takes place.

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