Sulfur Cinquefoil Potentilla recta 'Warrenii'
ABOUT
Potentilla recta 'Warrenii', commonly known as sulfur cinquefoil, is characterized by its vivid yellow flowers that resemble a cup shape with five distinct petals. These petals are bright, inviting, and create a captivating visual with their sunny hue. The center of each flower contains a small, raised cluster of stamens that are often tipped with pollen, attracting a variety of pollinators. The foliage of sulfur cinquefoil is an appealing shade of green and usually comprises leaflets arranged in a palmate fashion, which means they spread out like fingers from the palm of a hand. The leaves are often toothed or jagged at the edges, adding a textured appearance to the overall look of the plant. These leaves are attached to the plant by slender, sometimes slightly hairy stems that extend outwards, lending a bushy aspect to the sulfur cinquefoil. Sulfur cinquefoil tends to form a low mound or a clump with its stems branching outward from the base. The plant generally presents an informal and relaxed silhouette, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings, where its bright flowers stand out against the greenery of its leaves. It is considered a perennial, meaning it can survive for several years, going dormant in the winter and coming back to life in the spring with renewed vigor. The combination of its cheerful yellow flowers and lush green foliage makes sulfur cinquefoil a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and a natural, wildflower-like charm to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Sulphur Cinquefoil, Rough-Fruited Cinquefoil, Erect Cinquefoil.
Common names
Potentilla recta 'Warrenii'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sulfur cinquefoil is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity or symptoms associated with ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset cannot be entirely ruled out if parts of the plant are ingested in large quantities. To pets: Sulfur cinquefoil is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are commonly associated with pet poisoning. Therefore, it's unlikely that ingestion would lead to significant toxicological symptoms or health consequences in pets. However, ingestion of plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
To pets
To humans: Sulfur cinquefoil is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity or symptoms associated with ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset cannot be entirely ruled out if parts of the plant are ingested in large quantities. Sulfur cinquefoil is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are commonly associated with pet poisoning. Therefore, it's unlikely that ingestion would lead to significant toxicological symptoms or health consequences in pets. However, ingestion of plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Potentilla recta 'Warrenii', commonly known as sulfur cinquefoil, invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, sulfur cinquefoil can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize the soil, preventing erosion on slopes and in areas with loose ground.
- Low Maintenance: Sulfur cinquefoil is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and tending once rooted.
- Adaptable: This plant can grow in a variety of soil types and conditions, from poor to rich soil and from sunny to partially shaded locations.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive yellow flowers, sulfur cinquefoil can add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Flowering Period: It has a lengthy blooming season that can last from early summer into fall, providing long-term beauty.
- Cold Hardy: Sulfur cinquefoil is capable of surviving in cold climates, making it a sturdy perennial for many gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can serve as a food source and habitat for various forms of wildlife, not just pollinators.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as a ground cover plant, covering large areas and suppressing weeds due to its spreading habit.
Medical Properties- There is no reliable information available about the medical properties of Potentilla recta 'Warrenii' commonly known as sulfur cinquefoil.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The roots of Sulfur Cinquefoil can be used to produce a reddish dye for textile coloring.
- Insect Repellent: Extracts from the plant have been used to repel certain insects and protect other plants.
- Tannin Source: The plant is a source of tannins that can be used for leather tanning and preserving.
- Erosion Control: Due to its extensive root system, Sulfur Cinquefoil can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Livestock Feed: Although not a first choice for forage, it can serve as emergency feed for livestock when other options are scarce.
- Garden Borders: With its bright yellow flowers, it's sometimes planted for ornamental purposes as a border plant in gardens.
- Ground Cover: Sulfur Cinquefoil can be used as ground cover to suppress weeds due to its dense growth habit.
- Soil Fertility Indicator: The presence of Sulfur Cinquefoil can indicate certain soil conditions, such as low nitrogen content.
- Education and Research: It can be used in educational settings to study invasive plant management and ecological restoration methods.
- Companion Planting: Some gardeners use Sulfur Cinquefoil in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sulphur Cinquefoil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sulphur Cinquefoil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Potentilla recta 'Warrenii' is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing the endurance and adaptability through life’s hardships.
- Humility: The plant's modest and unassuming flowers can be seen as a representation of humbleness and simplicity in character.
- Protection: In herbal folklore, Potentilla species are often associated with protective properties, representing safety and the warding off of negativity.
- Charm and Attraction: The bright and appealing flowers of the Sulphur Cinquefoil can symbolize allure and the power to draw good things towards oneself.
WaterThe Sulphur Cinquefoil should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage a strong, deep root system, while allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. In general, providing about one inch of water per week should be sufficient, but this may need to be adjusted based on climate conditions and soil type. During particularly hot or dry spells, watering frequency may need to be increased. It is vital not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Rather than a fixed schedule, it is best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightThe Sulphur Cinquefoil flourishes in full sun to partial shade. A location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal, ensuring the plant receives ample light to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as too little light can lead to poor blooming and a leggy plant.
TemperatureThe Sulphur Cinquefoil is hardy and adaptable, able to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It typically thrives in conditions between 60°F and 70°F but can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 85°F. The plant is cold-hardy and can tolerate freezing conditions but should be protected from extreme heat.
PruningThe Sulphur Cinquefoil should be pruned to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming period. Occasional thinning may be necessary to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSulfur cinquefoil prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically around 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this plant can be composed of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration, with occasional organic matter to nourish the plant.
RepottingSulfur cinquefoil does not require frequent repotting; it can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, ensuring minimal disturbance to its root system.
Humidity & MistingSulfur cinquefoil is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but thrives best in average to low humidity conditions typical of temperate climates; it does not need high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, occasional watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, hardy.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePotentilla recta 'Warrenii', commonly known as Sulfur Cinquefoil, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring under favorable moisture and temperature conditions. Once germinated, the seedling develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, where it may remain in this vegetative state throughout the first growing season. In subsequent years, the plant produces a flowering stalk, and by mid-spring to early summer, it bears bright yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small, dry fruits known as achenes, which contain the seeds. The plant can reproduce both by these seeds and vegetatively through the spreading of its rhizomes, which gives rise to new shoots. Each year, the Sulfur Cinquefoil goes through a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, during which above-ground parts may die back while the perennial root system survives, ready to regenerate come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagating Potentilla recta 'Warrenii', commonly known as the Sulphur Cinquefoil, is through division. This practice is often done in the spring or early fall. Gardeners typically dig up a healthy, mature clump of the plant and carefully separate it into smaller sections with a sharp spade or knife, ensuring that each division has a good portion of the root system intact. These divided sections are then immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing at previously. Divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new plants. This technique allows for quick multiplication of the Sulphur Cinquefoil while maintaining the characteristics of the original plant.
