Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet'
ABOUT
Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' is a flowering perennial known for its strikingly vibrant scarlet-red blooms. The flowers are small with a simple, yet appealing, five-petaled formation, closely resembling miniature roses, and they cover the plant throughout the blooming season. These petals surround a central cluster of yellow stamens, which adds contrast and visual interest to the flower's appearance. The foliage is a deep green color, and the leaves are pinnately compound with small, toothed leaflets that have a slightly hairy texture. The leaves are arranged spirally on the thin, branching stems, creating a densely foliaged plant that provides a lush backdrop to the showy flowers. The overall impression of Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet' is one of a bright, cheerful plant with a generous flowering habit that can bring vibrant color to any garden setting. Its flowers are not only a magnet for garden admirers but also attract pollinators, adding both beauty and ecological value to its surroundings.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil, Gibson's Scarlet Potentilla.
Common names
Potentilla atrosanguinea 'Gibson's Scarlet'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Gibson's Scarlet is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant is not typically associated with poisoning or any harmful symptoms.
To pets
Gibson's Scarlet is also not known to be toxic to pets. Ingestion of this plant should not cause any significant toxic symptoms or serious consequences in animals.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerant: It can survive dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources.
- Erosion Control: Its spreading habit and robust root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving cold temperatures and is suitable for cooler climates.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright scarlet flowers, it adds vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant offers a long season of blooms, providing visual interest for much of the growing season.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', also known as Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil, can provide vibrant color contrast in rock gardens and alpine garden settings, enhancing the aesthetic appeal with its bright red flowers.
- In container gardening, Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can be used as a "spiller" companion to "thriller" and "filler" plants, cascading over the edges with its lush foliage.
- Dried flowers and leaves of Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can be used in potpourri for a natural, herbal fragrance and a touch of color indoors.
- Ecologically, Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can serve as a food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, thus promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- The plant's dense growth habit can help with soil stabilization on slopes or areas prone to erosion, providing an ecological solution to a landscaping challenge.
- Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can be used in educational gardens or nature programs to teach about perennial plant lifecycles and flower pollination processes.
- The plant can be part of a themed garden, such as a red garden, showcasing various shades of red among plants and contributing to a cohesive visual theme.
- In artistic applications, the bright flowers of Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can be used as natural dye sources for fabrics, offering a subtle reddish tint.
- The cut flowers can be used in informal floral arrangements or as accents in wreaths and other natural craft decorations.
- As a living mulch, Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil can provide ground cover that suppresses weeds while maintaining soil moisture and temperature stability.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Attraction and Charm: The vibrant scarlet flowers of the Potentilla, also known as "cinquefoil," can symbolize attraction and the power to charm due to their eye-catching color and brightness.
- Protection: Historically, cinquefoil has been associated with protection. In medieval times, it was commonly used in magical practices and amulets to ward off evil.
- Magical: Cinquefoil has been thought to possess magical properties, being used in spells and potions, indicating a symbolism of mystique and enchantment.
- Maternal Affection: In the language of flowers, cinquefoil can stand for maternal love and care due to its nurturing growth habit and the way it spreads to provide ground coverage.
- Perseverance: Given its hardy nature, cinquefoil is also a symbol of perseverance and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Water
For 'Gibson's Scarlet' cinquefoil, it's important to water it to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering about 1 inch per week either through rainfall or manual watering is sufficient. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water twice a week. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid shallow, light watering. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to provide water directly to the root zone and minimize moisture on the foliage, which can prevent fungal diseases.
- Light
'Gibson's Scarlet' cinquefoil thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can result in fewer flowers and a leggy plant, while full sun will encourage the best flowering and compact growth. Ensure it's planted in an area with good air circulation to reduce the risk of diseases.
- Temperature
The 'Gibson's Scarlet' cinquefoil is a hardy plant, able to withstand cold temperatures down to around -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. In terms of heat, it can tolerate temperatures up to around 85°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F where it will grow and flower most vigorously.
- Pruning
'Gibson's Scarlet' cinquefoil should be pruned to maintain shape and to remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning is also important to encourage new growth and more prolific blooming. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's recommended to prune about one-third of the old branches each year to keep the plant rejuvenated.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Cinquefoil 'Gibson's Scarlet' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix containing loamy soil, peat, and coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and root health. Organic matter like compost can also be added to enrich the soil and promote vigorous growth.
- Repotting
Cinquefoil 'Gibson's Scarlet' does not require frequent repotting as it's usually grown as an outdoor perennial. It can be repotted or divided every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate and manage its growth if it's grown in containers.
- Humidity & Misting
Cinquefoil 'Gibson's Scarlet' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any specific humidity levels, making it well-suited for typical outdoor environments where it can thrive without additional humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, not for dense indoor growth.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, mulch in winter, prune annually.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
- Life cycle
Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', commonly known as Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in the early spring when soil temperatures warm up. Upon germination, seedlings develop a root system and a rosette of leaves close to the ground, with true leaves appearing soon after. As the plant matures, a clumping growth habit is established with numerous leafy stems sprouting from the base, accompanied by the development of vibrant red flowers by late spring or early summer. Throughout the growing season, the plant continues to produce flowers, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of small fruits containing seeds for the next generation. Come autumn, foliage may die back as the plant enters a period of dormancy through the winter, particularly in colder climates. With the return of warmer weather, the perennial nature of Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil prompts the plant to regrow from its rootstock, renewing the cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', commonly known as Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil, is often propagated by division, a technique that is best performed in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant out of the ground using a shovel, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, and water them thoroughly. Each division will grow into a new Gibson's Scarlet Cinquefoil plant, which should bloom within the following growing seasons.