Cinquefoil Potentilla 'William Rollisson'
ABOUT
Potentilla 'William Rollisson' is characterized by its striking flowers and dense foliage. The plant is known for its blooms, which are a vibrant orange-yellow and form a cupped shape. They usually have five petals that can sometimes appear to have a frilled edge, creating a semi-double effect that adds a textural dimension to the flower display. These blossoms stand out against the lush green leaves, which are small, pinnate, and comprised of multiple leaflets that have toothed margins. The leaves generally have a soft, almost feathery appearance, contributing to the overall delicate aesthetics of the plant. The Potentilla 'William Rollisson' emanates a cottage garden feel, often producing flowers from early to mid-summer and sometimes continuing into the fall, offering a long season of interest. The plant, a deciduous shrub, tends to form a bushy habit with arching stems that provide an informal appearance. The flowers attract various pollinators, adding a lively buzz to the plant's surroundings. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, rock gardens, or groundcover plantings, bringing a splash of warm color wherever it is grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cinquefoil, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Tangerine.
Common names
Potentilla 'William Rollisson'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Potentilla 'William Rollisson', commonly known as cinquefoil, is not considered highly toxic to humans. There is little to no toxicity associated with the Potentilla genus, and it should not cause serious harm if ingested in small quantities. However, individual sensitivity to plants can vary, and ingesting plant material may sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly if consumed in large amounts. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
The Potentilla 'William Rollisson', also known as cinquefoil, is generally recognized as non-toxic to pets. The plant does not contain known toxins that are harmful to dogs, cats, or other household pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets. As with humans, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of plant material. If you observe any adverse reactions in your pets, consult your veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Potentilla 'William Rollisson', commonly known as Cinquefoil, produces bright, showy flowers that enhance garden aesthetics and appeal.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Cinquefoil can tolerate drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance addition to their landscape.
- Long Blooming Season: Cinquefoil has a long flowering season, often from early summer to the first frost, providing a lasting display of color.
- Cold Hardy: It is hardy in many climates and can survive in areas with cold winters without needing special care or protection.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it effective as a ground cover plant, which can help control erosion and suppress weeds.
- Adaptable: Cinquefoil adapts well to a variety of soil types, even poor or rocky soils, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Its quaint charm fits well into cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens, and can even be planted in containers for patio or balcony gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, providing an attractive inclusion to bouquets and wreaths with its delicate foliage and flowers.
- Due to its compact growth habit, cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' is suitable as a ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds in garden beds.
- The dense foliage of the cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' can serve as a low border in garden designs, creating neat edges along pathways or flower beds.
- The plant can be used in container gardening, adding texture and color to mixed arrangements in pots and planters.
- Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' is appropriate for rock gardens, where its modest size and hardiness contribute to the aesthetic without requiring deep soil.
- This variety of cinquefoil can be part of butterfly gardens, as its flowers attract pollinators during the blooming season.
- Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' can serve as a food source for certain species of larvae of moths and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity in the garden.
- The plant's durability in varied soil conditions makes it a practical choice for erosion control on slopes or embankments.
- Due to its resistance to deer browsing, cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' is suitable for areas where wildlife may impact garden plant selection.
- The vibrant flowers can be used for natural dyeing processes, imparting subtle colors on fabrics or yarns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm and Attraction: Potentillas are often associated with attractiveness due to their bright and appealing flowers, which may also suggest that the 'William Rollisson' cultivar symbolizes a charming nature.
- Protection: In medieval times, potentilla was believed to offer protection against evil, thus the 'William Rollisson' could carry the meaning of safety and shelter.
- Maternal Affection: The five petals of potentilla flowers are sometimes linked with the image of a mother’s hand, suggesting care and nurturing which may be attributed to the 'William Rollisson' as well.
- Strength: Despite its delicate appearance, Potentilla can survive in tough conditions, symbolizing resilience and inner strength in the 'William Rollisson' variety.
- Harmony: The balanced and symmetrical shape of the flowers can represent harmony and balance in life, which people might seek when choosing 'William Rollisson' for their gardens.
WaterFor the Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson', water thoroughly until the water runs from the drainage holes, amounting to approximately 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the container or plant, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings which typically means watering once every week during active growth periods and reducing the frequency during winter.
LightThe Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot would provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, while also offering some protection from the intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.
TemperatureCinquefoil 'William Rollisson' is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Cinquefoil 'William Rollisson' to maintain shape and promote bushier growth; this is best done in late winter or early spring. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season can also encourage additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCinquefoil 'William Rollisson' flourishes in well-draining, loamy to sandy soil, enriched with compost or organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingCinquefoil 'William Rollisson' does not typically require frequent repotting; it should be repotted only when it outgrows its current space, which may be every few years.
Humidity & MistingCinquefoil 'William Rollisson' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels typical of outdoor environments and does not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla 'William Rollisson', commonly known as cinquefoil, begins its life as a seed that germinates in well-draining soil during the cooler temperatures of late winter to early spring. After germination, the seedling stage involves establishing a root system and producing the first set of true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a robust foliage structure and a branching habit, which is imperative for future flowering. During the flowering stage, which usually occurs in the late spring to summer, it produces vibrant five-petaled flowers that attract pollinators and may continue blooming into the fall. After pollination, the plant sets fruit, developing small, dry, inedible achenes that contain seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. In the final stage of its perennial life cycle, the cinquefoil enters dormancy in the winter, with above-ground growth dying back, while the root system remains alive to support regrowth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Potentilla 'William Rollisson', commonly known as Cinquefoil, is most effectively propagated in the late winter to early spring period before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation is by division. The process involves digging up the entire plant and gently separating the root clump into smaller sections, each with several growth buds. These sections are then replanted into well-prepared soil, maintaining appropriate spacing to allow for growth. Regular watering helps the new divisions to establish more quickly. This straightforward technique leverages the natural growth habit of the Cinquefoil to create new, healthy plants that will begin to flourish in the coming growing season.
