Characteristic features of Potentilla, recommendations for care and planting in the garden, how to properly reproduce, protection against diseases and pests, notes and use, types.
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) belongs to the Rosaceae family and belongs to one of the most numerous genera. Basically, all these plants naturally grow in areas with a temperate climate, but most of them are found in the Northern Hemisphere. The genus includes about 325 varieties, but since recently additional studies of the DNA of representatives of the Lapchatka genus were carried out, this number has increased significantly (there is information that up to half a thousand). It included such species that used to be independent, such as, for example, plants of the genus Strawberry (Fragaria). And only a few of them can be applied in culture. The most common cinquefoil (Potentilla anserina) and erect cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta), which are called "galangal grass".
| Family name | Pink |
| Growing period | Long-term, occasionally one-year or two-year |
| Vegetation form | Herbaceous or occasionally shrub, semi-shrub |
| Breeding method | Seed or vegetative |
| Landing period | Summer for cuttings, for seedlings the end of spring; for cuttings - autumn before frost |
| Landing rules | The distance between plants is maintained 50-60 cm |
| Priming | Light, loose and nutritious, preferably loamy |
| Soil acidity values, pH | 5, 5-6, 5 - slightly alkaline |
| Lighting degree | Good with shade at noon |
| Humidity parameters | Watering is regular and abundant |
| Special care rules | Drying out of the soil is unacceptable |
| Height values | 0.3–1.5 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Paniculate, corymbose or pseudozontic inflorescences, but there are also single flowers |
| Flower color | Yellow, but some may have a snow-white, red, pink tint |
| Flowering period | May-July to early October |
| Decorative time | Spring-autumn |
| Places of application | Rockeries and alpine slides, flower beds or flower beds, hedge formation |
| USDA zone | 3 or more |
The plant bears its scientific name thanks to the Latin word "potents", which translates as "powerful" or "strong". All this is due to the fact that since ancient times, mankind has known the multiple medicinal properties of some of the representatives of this genus. You can hear how popularly the species of these plants are called convulsive grass, caterpillar, wild galangal (to distinguish it from galangal from the Ginger family). Since it is possible to make tea from the dried herb, which gives energy and vigor, there is a name - Kuril tea.
Among the cinquefoil, there are species that have a herbaceous growth or can grow in the form of shrubs or semi-shrubs. At the same time, both varieties and others are used in gardening. Basically, all such plants are perennials, but in rare cases they are annual or biennial. Rhizome, lignified over time, is located at the surface of the soil.
The stems of the wild galangal can grow upright, erect, or have expanding outlines, only sometimes they can be creeping, characterized by the property of quickly rooting at the nodes. Their height varies from 30 cm to one and a half meters. In this case, the diameter of the bush is almost a meter.
The foliage of Potentilla takes a triple or multipartite shape, its outlines are pinnate or finger-divided. The edge is decorated with fine serration. Leaves are painted in bright green or grayish-green color scheme. The leaf plates are attached to the stems with petioles.
When flowering, at the tops of the stems, single flowers are formed on elongated erect flowering stems, but in most species, the buds are collected in paniculate, corymbose or pseudo-umbellate inflorescences. The flowers are bisexual, consisting of a calyx, in which there are 5, and sometimes 4 leaves and a subduction. The number of petals in the corolla is the same, they take on a yellow color, but some of the species may have a red, pink or snow-white color scheme. Sometimes their color is two-color. The outlines of the petals can have a blunt apex or a notch. There are 10-30 stamens in the corolla, their threads resemble the shape of a thread or grow subulate. The size of the pistils is small, they are often located at the top, occasionally in the lateral part or at the base.
After the flowers are pollinated, with the help of insects or by the wind, a large number of fruits ripen, which in Potentilla are characterized by a dried receptacle, which distinguishes the plant from strawberries. The fruit is formed from achenes, the number of which varies from 10 to 80 units. Their surface is bare, but occasionally hairs can grow on it. The fruits fall apart after they are completely dry and their walls become thinner.
Spotted
The more exotic the variety of Potentilla turns out to be, the larger the fruits of the plant are.
This representative of the flora is quite easy to propagate and grow on your site and even an inexperienced florist can, adhering to the following rules, enjoy the flowering of these delicate plants.
Recommendations for the care and planting of Potentilla, cultivation in the garden
- Landing place. The plant will feel best in a well-lit and open location, but it is necessary that such an arrangement be provided with protection from the midday rays of the sun. If this rule is not followed, the foliage will begin to fade under the influence of an increased level of lighting. But even in shading, it is impossible to plant Potentilla, as this will lead to a slowdown in the growth rate, and flowering may not start at all.
- Soil for planting Potentilla loose and fertile is preferred. The acidity of the soil is recommended slightly alkaline with a pH of 5, 5-6, 5. The best choice is a loamy substrate, which is mixed with lime and river sand.
- Planting Potentilla directly depends on how old the plants will be placed in the ground. For seedlings, the end of May days or the beginning of summer is suitable, cuttings are planted in the summer months (June-July), and for dellings, autumn will be the best time (approximately September-October). The depth of the planting hole should be slightly more than the earthen coma of the plant. For adult specimens, a hole is dug about 50 cm deep. The distance between Potentilla seedlings will also depend on the type of Potentilla grown, but the average values are in the range of 50-60 cm. Before planting a seedling in a hole, a drainage layer is laid on the bottom of it, which will protect the root system from waterlogging. After that, a little soil is poured onto the drainage layer and the plant is placed. The root collar of Potentilla should be at the level of the soil. Then the hole is filled with soil mixture to the top, watered abundantly and the trunk circle is mulched using sawdust or well-crushed needles.
- Watering plants such as Kuril tea is a particularly important factor. Soil moistening should be regular and abundant. Drying of the substrate is prohibited, since the cinquefoil can quickly die, but the soil should not be waterlogged and moisture stagnation in it is not encouraged. Water for irrigation is taken at room temperature; for this, experienced gardeners collect several buckets of water and leave them to heat up in the sun. Only with the arrival of the evening such a heated liquid is irrigated. If there is no precipitation in the spring-summer period, then every day it is recommended to pour half a bucket of water under the Potentilla bush.
- Special care requirements. When it rains or watering is carried out, the soil next to the Potentilla bushes must be carefully loosened, not allowing it to be taken by the crust, which will weaken the access of air and moisture to the roots. Accuracy is needed because the root system is superficial. Weeds are also regularly needed. As the buds wilt, they are removed.
- Fertilizers for Potentilla must be applied regularly for the plant to develop better. With the arrival of spring and throughout the summer, it is recommended to use mineral dressings with a potassium-phosphorus composition. They can occasionally be replaced with wood ash or mullein-based mortar.
- Pruning Kuril tea is held regularly. With the arrival of spring and in the autumn months, it is recommended to remove all shoots that have been damaged during this time or have become too thickened the crown of the plant. It is possible with the help of such procedures to form the outlines of Potentilla. Cutting branches in spring will stimulate branching, as a large number of lateral shoots will develop, and as a result, multiple flower buds will be laid on them. Once every 4-5 years, it is necessary to perform anti-aging pruning, when all branches are immediately cut off by one third, and in the next couple of years it is recommended to remove all old shoots. When growing annual varieties of Potentilla, with the arrival of autumn, when the flowering is complete, all the stems are cut off, and the area where such plants grew is dug up. For perennials, shelter is not required, since they are frost-resistant. Only young seedlings are recommended to be covered with non-woven material for the winter months, for example, spunbond or lutrasil.
- Cinquefoil as an element of landscape design. Since plants have a wide variety of forms, they can be used for landscaping rockeries and rock gardens, for borders and mixborders, and species with high shoots are suitable for the formation of hedges. The best neighbors for growing are delicate daisies and bells, as well as daylilies with yellow flowers.
Read also how to grow medlar in a garden.
How to reproduce Potentilla correctly?
To get a new bush of this member of the Pink family, you can use either a seed propagation method or a vegetative one.
- Seed reproduction of Potentilla it is used mainly for species specimens, since maternal characters are sometimes not transmitted to the next generations. But for the best result, it is recommended to grow seedlings. With the arrival of the first days of spring, the seeds need to be sown in seedling boxes filled with a peat-sand mixture. Seed material is evenly distributed over its surface. The container is covered with a transparent plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect, and it is placed in a place where the heat indicators will be in the range of 18-22 degrees. During the germination period, it is recommended to periodically ventilate and moisten the soil when it dries up. When the first shoots of Potentilla appear, the shelter can already be removed. When weather conditions permit, such seedlings are transplanted to the selected place in the garden with prepared soil. The wild galangal seedlings grown by this method will begin to bloom after 2-3 years from the moment of sowing.
- Reproduction of Potentilla by dividing. If the bush has grown too much, then it can be divided into parts in the autumn, before the cold comes. To do this, an adult plant is carefully dug in and removed from the soil, then the rhizome must be cut into pieces with a sharp knife. It should only be taken into account when dividing that each of the divisions has 2-3 renewal points. All places of cuts must be powdered with crushed activated or charcoal, and, without letting the roots dry out, immediately land on a prepared place in the flower bed.
- Propagation of Potentilla by cuttings. In the period June-July, blanks are cut from the green shoots of the bush. The length of such cuttings should be about 15 cm. All lower foliage is removed from them, the cut is treated with a rooting stimulator, for example, heteroauxinic acid or "Kornevin". Potentilla cuttings are planted directly in open ground, but the location should be shaded. A cut plastic bottle is placed on top of the cuttings or they are covered with transparent polyethylene. When rooting, which stretches for 2-3 weeks, it is necessary to ventilate daily and if the soil is slightly dry on top of it and the seedlings are sprayed.
- Reproduction of Potentilla by layering. Since in some varieties, the stems easily release root shoots from the nodes when they come into contact with the soil surface, a healthy and strong shoot is selected, the bark is slightly damaged on it (you can cut it in a ring) and pressed against the substrate. In the place where the incision was made, sprinkle the twig with earth, so that its top remains on the surface. Layering care should be carried out in the same way as for the mother bush. Layers take root for a month, after which they can be separated and transplanted to a new prepared place.
Read also about the reproduction of spirea when grown in open ground.
Protection of Potentilla from diseases and pests when growing in the garden
When cultivated, the plant usually does not bring problems either in the form of diseases or pest attacks. However, if the rules of agricultural technology are violated, the following problems are possible:
- Powdery mildew, in which the stems and leaves are covered with a whitish bloom, reminiscent of diluted lime.
- Rust and various spots, due to which marks of brown or brown color may appear on the sheet plates.
It is recommended to treat such diseases at the initial stage by treating the plant with fungicidal preparations, such as Fundazol, colloidal sulfur, Bordeaux liquid or Topaz. If an annual plant is affected, then it is disposed of in the autumn.
Of the pests that can be found on the cinquefoil, the scoop is isolated, gnawing the leaves. If such lepidoptera insects are identified, plants should be sprayed with insecticides. Good performance when using Aktara, Fufanon or Fitoverm.
Curious notes about cinquefoil and its use
If we talk about the medicinal features of this representative of Pink, then the following types of it are most often used - Cinquefoil (Potentilla anserina), White Cinquefoil (Potentilla alba) and Erect Cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta). Since some of their pharmacological properties have not been fully investigated, this is an alternative to official medicines and is often used in traditional medicine.
Interesting
All parts of Potentilla can be used for the preparation of medicines.
Usually healers prepare a decoction, tea or alcohol tincture from parts of wild galangal. They are prescribed to patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases or pancreatitis, help relieve the manifestations of stomach ulcers and urolithiasis, treat colitis, diarrhea that occurs against the background of infections. If a person has a cold, accompanied by a strong cough, then a decoction based on Potentilla has an effective mucolytic property. The same drug has a very beneficial effect on the kidneys, since it has a diuretic effect.
Although little pharmacologists know about cinquefoil, this plant contains a large amount of active elements, acids, as well as saponins and flavones. Therefore, an alcoholic tincture based on it was even recognized by official medicine as an excellent remedy for diseases associated with the thyroid gland.
There is a possibility of external use of preparations made from Potentilla. Especially if there are non-healing wounds with a weeping surface, burns, or if you need to stop bleeding in case of gynecological diseases. Such funds will have a good effect in the treatment of oral problems (stomatitis, periodontitis) or fungal diseases. These same remedies will help lower blood pressure.
Important
For hypertensive patients, preparations based on Potentilla are categorically contraindicated.
On the territory of Russia, Potentilla is called Kuril tea or cinquefoil. Usually, young shoots of the variety of Kurilian cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) or Shrub cinquefoil are used. This is because, according to the legends about the epic hero Ilya Muromets, the actual aroma of the wild galangal gave the hero the power of extraordinary power. Therefore, ancient healers called Potentilla "the mighty", used it against all kinds of diseases, as well as to give the patient strength and energy.
Cinquefoil was used to stimulate the central nervous system. The extract from its rhizomes increased the filtration capacity of the buds to about 28%. Even according to the scientist Mendeleev, the wild galangal contains almost all the elements of the table. At the same time, it was noted that the amount of such substances in the rhizome exceeds the entire aerial part of Potentilla.
But with all this, there are also contraindications to the use of Potentilla:
- high blood clotting;
- hypotension;
- tendency to thrombosis.
It is recommended to take medicines based on this plant strictly under the supervision of a doctor, especially when removing stones or sand from the ducts. There is a possibility of irritation of the gastric mucosa, it is forbidden to use during pregnancy or if there is an individual intolerance to this representative of the flora.
Read also interesting facts about hawthorn
Description of the types and varieties of Potentilla
White cinquefoil (Potentilla alba)
The natural area of distribution falls on the central territories of the European part of Russia, grows in the Balkan and Caucasian lands. A herbaceous perennial, its stems can vary in height within 8–25 cm. The rhizome is thickened, with slight branching, its surface is covered with scales. The stems are thin, and their height is equal to the height of the basal leaves.
In the root zone, leaves of complex outlines are palmate-lobed, they are characterized by the presence of large stipules of a brown shade. Their petioles are elongated. Stem leaves are absent or they are greatly reduced, then there may be 1-2 pieces with ovate-lanceolate outlines.
The flowering process occurs in May-June. Inflorescences are loose, racemose or umbellate in shape. They are formed by several flowers of a snow-white color, crowning with elongated peduncles. The flower-bearing stems are extended by 25 cm. The diameter at full opening of the bud reaches 3 cm. The color of the wide-obovate petals is snow-white.
After pollination, the ripening achenes are ovoid and have hairiness at the base.
Goose cinquefoil (Potentilla anserina)
is a perennial that grows in nature throughout the planet, where a temperate climate prevails. It prefers to settle along road sides, in meadows and river banks. It is popularly found under the name - goose foot, caterpillar or convulsive grass. The stems of the plant are low-growing, creeping, reaching 0.8 m in length. The length of the leaf plates can vary within 10–20 cm. Their shape is uniform, pinnate, the edge is serrated. The color is green from the upper part, the surface is smooth, the reverse side is whitish, with strong pubescence. There is a division into leaf lobes, which have a width of 1–2 cm and a length of no more than 2–5 cm.
When flowering at the beginning of summer, single flowers open on separate stems. Their diameter approaches 1, 5–2, 5 cm. The flowers have 5, occasionally 6–7 petals, painted in yellow color. Flowering stems can measure 5-15 cm in length. The fruit is a multi-nut.
Nepalese cinquefoil (Potentilla nepalensis)
represented by a perennial, which does not exceed 0.5 m in height. Shoots grow erect, branched with a crimson color. The foliage is palmate with a dark green tint, the length of the leaf is 3 cm. When opening, the diameter of the flower can be 3 cm, the petals in it are pale pinkish or red, venation is visible on their surface, of a beautiful dark pink color. From the buds, panicle inflorescences are collected. The flowering period, which begins in mid-summer, takes 8 weeks. The best varieties are:
- Roxana flowers with amber-salmon petals, decorated with a pattern of dark veins.
- Miss Wilmotte characterized by a rich and long flowering, in which the buds open with cherry-pink petals and a dark spot at the base.
- Floris the bloom is bright, characterized by pale salmon petals of flowers, an eye-spot of a red-orange tone.
Hybrid cinquefoil (Potentilla x hybrida)
This species has combined varietal forms that have a hybrid etymology. The rhizome can take both vertical and oblique shapes. The stems grow straight, are characterized by strong branching and reach a height of 0.9 m. Their surface is pubescent. The rosette in the root part is assembled from leaf plates of palmate or triple outlines with a serrated edge and elongated petioles. On the stems, the leaves of the petioles are devoid (sessile) and have a triple contour.
When flowering, a thin inflorescence with a racemose or corymbose form is formed from the buds. The surface of the petals in the flowers is velvety. When opened, the diameter of the flower can reach 4 cm, and its color includes a dark purple, red, yellow or pinkish tint. The varieties that are popular in floriculture are:
- Master Floris, which is characterized by long flowering with a large number of buds. The size of the flowers is large, the color is pale yellow.
- Yellow Queen or Yellow Queen, reaching a height of 30 cm, the tops of the stems are decorated with yellow flowers with glossy petals.
- Vulcan - the owner of flowers with fluffy corollas of a deep bloody shade.
Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)
may occur under the name Pentaphylloides fruticosa (Pentaphylloides fruticosa), Kuril tea or Dasiphora shrub (Dasiphora fruticosa). The main habitat is in the forests and forest-steppe areas of Russian lands, Central Asia, and can be found in Western European regions and in the Caucasus. Possessor of increased endurance. The shoots of the shrub are distinguished by strong branching and reach a height of 1.5 m. The bark on the shoots can flake off and take on a brown or grayish color. The crown of the plant resembles a hemisphere in shape. The leaves are whole-edged, their outlines are lanceolate, they measure 3 cm in length and no more than 1 cm in width. They can be characterized by 3-5-7 separation. When the foliage is young, its color is light green, but over time it becomes greenish-silver, as it becomes covered with pubescence.
When flowering, flowers with yellow-golden petals open, the diameter of which is equal to 2 cm. The buds can be located singly or gather in not too dense inflorescences at the tops of the stems. The shape of the inflorescences is racemose or corymbose. The buds begin to bloom from the second decade of June, this process can be extended until the first days of October.
The variety was first cultivated as a crop in the early 18th century. On the territory of America and many European countries, it is customary to cultivate cultivars, since they are more resistant than the base species.
Video about growing Potentilla in the garden:
