Tongue cinquefoil Potentilla × tonguei

Water

The common name for Potentilla × tonguei is the Tongue Potentilla. When watering the Tongue Potentilla, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water per session, depending on the plant's size and the climate conditions. Less frequent watering is required during the dormant season in fall and winter; reduce to watering once every two weeks or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, using the same amount of water.

Light

Tongue Potentilla thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant is a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can also tolerate some light shade during the hottest part of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor blooming and leggy growth.

Temperature

Tongue Potentilla is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving in climates as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for thriving growth is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that while it can endure cold conditions, it's susceptible to frost damage, so it's best planted in areas where the temperature doesn't drop below the plant's minimum tolerance often.

Pruning

Prune your Tongue Potentilla to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage a more robust and dense growth habit. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Lightly prune up to one-third of the old growth annually to maintain the desirable shape and promote healthy new branches and blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Potentilla tonguei, commonly known as Tongue Cinquefoil, is well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH range for Tongue Cinquefoil is slightly acidic to neutral, from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can provide the adequate drainage and nutrients this plant requires.

Repotting

Tongue Cinquefoil typically does not require frequent repotting as it thrives in a stable environment. It should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. Spring is the best time to repot this perennial plant.

Humidity & Misting

Tongue Cinquefoil is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity to thrive. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for the plant, but it does appreciate some fresh air if grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and water when dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Potentilla × tonguei, commonly known as Tongue's cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy before germinating in favorable conditions of moisture and light. After sprouting, the seedling grows through a vegetative stage, developing leaves and roots, and as a perennial plant, it will establish a strong root system and may produce a rosette form the first year. The plant then enters the reproductive stage, typically in late spring or early summer of the following years, flowering with yellow blooms that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, fruits in the form of small achenes form, containing seeds that, once matured, are dispersed by various means, including wind, water, or animal movement. The plant may also spread vegetatively through runners, a form of asexual reproduction, contributing to the establishment of new clones of the parent plant. Over the years, Tongue's cinquefoil will continue to grow, reproduce, and spread until senescence, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-summer

• Potentilla × tonguei, commonly known as Tongue's cinquefoil, is most commonly propagated through division, which can be done in early spring or fall. This involves digging up an established plant and carefully separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system attached. Divisions should be replanted promptly at the same soil depth as the original plant and watered well to encourage establishment. This method is efficient as it maintains the clonal integrity of the parent plant, ensuring that the offspring are true to form. It also allows gardeners to rapidly increase their stock of Tongue's cinquefoil and fill in garden spaces that could benefit from its attractive foliage and flowers.