Cinquefoil (Potentilla 'Flamenco')
Potentilla 'Flamenco' is a low-maintenance Cinquefoil perennial, featuring showy red flowers from June to August in zones 5-8.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Potentilla ‘Flamenco’, commonly called Cinquefoil, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial celebrated for its vigorous, long-lasting blooms and easy-going nature. This cultivar is recognized for producing masses of blood-red, five-petaled flowers throughout the peak summer months, making it an excellent source of continuous color in the landscape. Gardeners appreciate Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ for its reliability and minimal demands.
As a free-flowering, clump-forming perennial, Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ develops a neat foliage mound, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. This compact habit makes it versatile for framing beds or providing texture in mixed plantings. It belongs to the large genus known for attractive flowers, originally named potens (powerful) due to historical medicinal associations.
This resilient Cinquefoil thrives in basic garden conditions, preferring well-drained soil. Its tolerance for various light levels, ranging from full sun to partial shade, allows flexible placement. Featuring attractive, toothed, strawberry-like leaves, Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ delivers visual interest even when not in bloom, solidifying its role as a dependable, low-care perennial.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For best performance, plant Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ in the spring or fall in average soil that drains well. While it tolerates part shade, this Cinquefoil performs optimally when situated in full sun, which encourages denser flowering. Ensure the planting site avoids soggy conditions, as wet roots are detrimental to this perennial’s long-term health.
Watering should be medium and consistent, especially during the first establishment period. Once mature, Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ exhibits drought tolerance, requiring supplementary water primarily during extended dry spells. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; these plants thrive without rich amendments.
Maintenance is notably low. The key task for this vigorous bloomer is pruning. Cut back the stems in the fall after blooming ceases or wait until early spring before new growth emerges. This simple rejuvenation promotes a tidy shape and vigorous flowering for the next season.
Landscape Uses
Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ excels as an edging plant, perfect for defining the front of perennial borders where its compact size won’t overshadow taller neighbors. Its reliable summer color makes it a cornerstone for cottage gardens seeking continuous, vibrant display without high labor input.
The sturdy, drought-tolerant nature of this Cinquefoil also makes it suitable for rock gardens or xeriscaping where soil is leaner and water may be scarce. Pair the blood-red blooms of Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ with contrasting cool colors like blue salvia or silver foliage plants to maximize visual impact. It functions beautifully as a mass planting to cover ground evenly.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Potentilla is a genus of about 500 species of mostly shrubs and herbaceous perennials found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are grown for their attractive flowers. ‘Flamenco’ is a free-flowering, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial which typically forms a foliage mound 12-20” tall with a slightly larger spread. Features blood red, 5-petaled, rose-like flowers (to 1” diameter) with dark eyes and long summer bloom.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ is celebrated for its robust constitution, rarely suffering from serious insect infestations or common garden diseases. This resistance contributes significantly to its low-maintenance appeal. Should minor pest presence occur, standard cultural care, such as ensuring good air circulation and proper watering practices, is usually sufficient for management.
Avoid overwatering, as this can predispose any perennial to fungal issues, although the Cinquefoil genus is generally tough. Consistent vigilance against mildew in overly crowded or humid conditions should be maintained, though this is typically a minor concern for seasoned growers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cinquefoil suitable for?
Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, making it a dependable choice for many temperate gardens.
How large does Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ grow?
This perennial typically matures to a height between 1 and 2 feet, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet, forming a neat, manageable mound.
When does Cinquefoil bloom?
Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ provides extended color, blooming reliably from June right through August with striking red flowers.
What sun exposure does this Cinquefoil need?
For the best display of its showy red flowers, plant Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ where it receives full sun; however, it will tolerate partial shade conditions.
Conclusion
The low-maintenance requirements, coupled with the long season of vibrant red blooms, make Potentilla ‘Flamenco’ an outstanding choice for reliable summer color. This resilient Cinquefoil handles dry spells and deer browsing well, cementing its value for busy gardeners. Before planting, confirm that your area falls within USDA Zones 5-8 to ensure this colorful perennial thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate partners enhances the aesthetic appeal of Potentilla ‘Flamenco’. Because this plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun, pair it with other sun-loving perennials that share similar medium water needs, such as Lavender (Lavandula) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). These companions complement the red blooms with softer purple or silvery tones.
Consider planting low-growing, trailing plants around the base to soften the edges of the Cinquefoil clumps. Creeping Thyme or Sedum varieties work well, especially in rock garden settings, while also suppressing potential weeds that could compete directly with the Potentilla.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring care involves cleaning up any lingering dead foliage from winter dormancy—cut back the old stems before new growth strongly emerges in early spring. Fertilization is rarely required, but a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be used if the soil is exceptionally poor or if you desire very vigorous growth.
Summer is the peak performance time for Potentilla ‘Flamenco’. Focus efforts on ensuring adequate, but not excessive, watering during heat waves. Deadheading is generally not required, as the plant is highly free-flowering, though you can shear back lightly after the first large flush to encourage more blooms.
As autumn approaches, the primary task is maintenance cleanup. Cut back the entire plant foliage and stems down to the ground in late fall or wait until early spring before new shoots appear. This simple practice keeps the clump tidy and prevents disease pathogens overwintering in the old stems.
