Meadow Cinquefoil Plant Care

Meadow Cinquefoil (Potentilla pratensis) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Potentilla genus. Meadow Cinquefoil is native to France. Meadow Cinquefoil is also known as Field Cinquefoil.

Meadow Cinquefoil displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Meadow Cinquefoil produces small, bright yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Meadow Cinquefoil every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Meadow Cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Potentilla pratensis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Meadow Cinquefoil prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Meadow Cinquefoil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Meadow Cinquefoil every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Meadow Cinquefoil is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Meadow Cinquefoil can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Meadow Cinquefoil while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Meadow Cinquefoil is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Meadow Cinquefoil can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden cinquefoil plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Meadow Cinquefoil is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Meadow Cinquefoil grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Meadow Cinquefoil is native to France. In cooler regions, grow Meadow Cinquefoil as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.