Potentilla palustris
marsh cinquefoil
A rhizomatous, woody-based perennial to 50cm in height, with lax, upright stems and grey-green leaves with five to seven leaflets. Loose clusters of deep red flowers with large, red-flushed sepals, appear in early summer
Other common names
bog strawberrycowberry
see moremeadow nut
purple marsh locks
purple marshwort
purplewort
Synonyms
Comarum palustre
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Potentilla can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs, or annuals, with palmately or pinnately divided leaves and solitary or clustered, saucer-shaped, 5-petalled flowers appearing over a long period
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in permanently wet, alkaline or neutral soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division, in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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