Thurber's Cinquefoil Potentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet'
ABOUT
The Potentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet', commonly known as the Thurber's cinquefoil, is a striking perennial that boasts a luxurious, velvety texture. This plant is particularly known for its captivating flowers, which present a deep, rich crimson or raspberry color, often with a darker center that adds a dramatic flair to the coloring. The flowers are generally large with five petals radiating around a golden-yellow center, creating a striking contrast against the dark hues. These bloom profusely throughout the flowering season. The foliage of the Thurber's cinquefoil is equally attractive, featuring small, green, pinnate leaves that have a soft, hairy texture. The leaves are divided into leaflets, which can sometimes display a hint of bluish or silver-grey tones, particularly on the undersides. The stems are reddish to green, adding another layer of color to the plant, which grows in a clumping habit. The overall appearance of the Thurber's cinquefoil is one that exudes warmth and richness, making it a popular choice for gardens seeking showy perennial plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Thurber's Cinquefoil, Monarch's Velvet Cinquefoil
Common names
Potentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet'.
ToxicityTo humans
Potentilla, commonly known as cinquefoil, is not known to have significant toxicity to humans. It is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant, and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause reactions in some people.
To pets
Cinquefoil is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not typically considered a poisonous plant to animals such as dogs and cats. There are no common symptoms associated with poisoning because it is not recognized as a harmful plant when pets ingest it. As always, pet owners should monitor their animals for any signs of unusual behavior or illness after ingesting any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Monarch's Velvet' provides vibrant deep red flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms are attractive to butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as ground cover, helping to reduce weed growth and soil erosion.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season, providing prolonged garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cinquefoil can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors from yellow to deep reds depending on the mordant used.
- It is often planted as ground cover in gardens, providing an attractive floral carpet that suppresses weeds.
- Gardeners can use cinquefoil as a border plant because of its compact growth habit and vibrant flower color.
- Due to its hardiness, cinquefoil can be used in erosion control efforts on slopes and banks to stabilize soil.
- Its flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and bees, making it a valuable plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Cinquefoil can be planted in rock gardens due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
- The plant can be used in floral arrangements, especially in rustic or wildflower-themed designs.
- Some people may use dried cinquefoil flowers in potpourri mixes for its texture and subtle coloring.
- The dried leaves can be used in decorative arts and crafts, such as pressed flower projects or botanical paper making.
- Cinquefoil can serve as an educational tool in schools or community gardens to teach about native plant species and their role in local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Potentilla species, commonly known as cinquefoils, often symbolize endurance due to their hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Protection: In medieval times, cinquefoils were believed to possess protective properties and were used in herbal remedies to ward off evil.
- Love and Affection: The 'Monarch's Velvet' variety, with its deep red flowers, could represent deep and passionate love, similar to the traditional symbolism of red roses.
- Maternal affection: Cinquefoils in general have been associated with motherhood and nurturing due to their abundant and caring nature of spreading and covering the ground.
WaterThe Cinquefoil should be watered regularly to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. During the growing season, water it thoroughly once a week using about one to two gallons per plant, depending on the size and weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Cut back on water in the winter when the plant is dormant, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
LightCinquefoil thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choosing a location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day will ensure a healthy plant. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in areas with very intense afternoon sun, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureCinquefoil is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand winter cold down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for Cinquefoil is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Cinquefoil annually to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season can also promote further blooming. Cut back about one-third of the old growth every year to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cinquefoil prefers well-draining soil with a generous addition of compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. A soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0) is ideal for this plant to thrive. A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite in equal parts would create an optimal growing medium for 'Monarch's Velvet'.
RepottingCinquefoil, or 'Monarch's Velvet', does not require frequent repotting and typically should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil. Repotting is best done in the spring just before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingThe Cinquefoil is quite adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it suitable for average garden conditions where the natural humidity of the environment typically suffices.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure plenty of light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cyclePotentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet', commonly known as Thurber's cinquefoil, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in early spring, with a preference for well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. Seedlings establish themselves, gradually developing a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with erect to sprawling stems, and deep green, palmate leaves become more pronounced. During early to mid-summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing deep red to raspberry flowers that attract pollinators and may set seeds if fertilized. After blooming, seed pods form and disperse seeds, enabling the next generation to proliferate, while the parent plant begins to prepare for dormancy. In winter, the aerial parts of Thurber's cinquefoil die back, with the root system remaining dormant until the next spring, when the cycle resumes.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Potentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet', commonly known as the Thurber's Cinquefoil, can be effectively propagated using the division method. The best time to do this is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, gently dig up the plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth, and water them thoroughly to help establish the roots. This method of propagation is favored as it is straightforward and allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of the 'Monarch's Velvet' while maintaining the genetic consistency of the plants.
