For many gardeners, cinquefoil is often dismissed as a pesky weed that needs to be cleared out immediately. But this low-growing plant with its pretty, feathered foliage actually comes in many varieties—some of which are so lovely they’re grown specifically as ornamentals. One question I get a lot is: can cinquefoil actually handle a cold winter?
Winter-Hardy Cinquefoil Varieties
Good news for those of us in colder climates: almost all varieties of this non-toxic plant are pretty frost-tolerant. If you plant them in a spot protected from harsh winds, they can even handle temperatures dipping down to nearly -20°F. Here are a few popular hardy types:
- Himalayan Cinquefoil (Potentilla atrosanguinea)
- Spring Cinquefoil (Potentilla neumanniana)
- Golden Cinquefoil (Potentilla aurea)
- Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla brauneana)
- Procumbent Cinquefoil (Potentilla anglica)
- Hoary Cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea)
- Small-flowered Cinquefoil (Potentilla micrantha)
- Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)
Fun Facts About Cinquefoil
While cinquefoil is native to Europe, you’ll also find it growing wild across Asia and North Africa. The one thing all these varieties have in common? They are incredibly tough when it comes to winter weather. If you’re looking for the ultimate “cold warrior,” the Shrubby Cinquefoil (also part of the Potentilla family) is unbeatable. It can survive temperatures as low as -50°F without breaking a sweat!
When it comes to winter prep, deciduous varieties should be cut back close to the ground before the first big freeze. Evergreen types, on the other hand, don’t need a haircut—their leaves actually act as a natural blanket against the cold. If you’re growing your cinquefoil in pots or containers, you don’t even need to bring them inside. However, if the mercury drops below 10°F, it’s a good idea to give them a little extra love by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap or garden fleece to protect the roots.
Location and Care Tips
This hardy perennial isn’t too picky, but it definitely prefers a sunny spot with standard garden soil. It’s a perfect fit for rock gardens, cottage-style beds, or even along the edges of wooded areas. I recommend planting in the fall (September or October) in loose, weed-free soil. Just a heads up: don’t over-fertilize! If your soil is too rich, try mixing in a little sand to lean it out. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for specific varieties:
- White Cinquefoil: Loves full sun and well-draining, lime-free soil.
- Marsh Cinquefoil: Happy in sun or partial shade, but it craves swampy, humus-rich soil.
- Himalayan (Red) Cinquefoil: Likes sun or partial shade and prefers soil that is loamy to sandy and consistently moist.
- Golden Cinquefoil: A real easy-goer that thrives in the sun in just about any normal garden soil.
