Potentilla alba aka White Cinquefoil

Potentilla alba is a low perennial in the rose family. Its common names include white cinquefoil and white-flowered cinquefoil. It comes from central, southern, and eastern Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This plant forms a spreading mound rather than an upright bush. Its foliage can remain through part of the winter.

The leaf mound stands about 0.25–0.42 feet [0.08–0.13 metres] tall. Flower stems rise to about 0.67 feet [0.20 metres]. Published height figures reach 0.75 feet [0.23 metres]. Plants spread about 1 foot [0.30 metres] across. RHS gives an upper spread of 1.64 feet [0.50 metres]. Long leaf stalks rise from the base of each plant. Each palmate leaf has five narrow, finger-like leaflets. Small teeth mark their tips. The glossy, dark green upper sides contrast with pale, hairy undersides. RHS describes the foliage as blue-green.

White flowers open from late April through June. Each flower has five petals and resembles a small rose. Flowers measure about 0.06 feet [0.02 metres] across. Loose cymes hold two to five flowers above the leaves. A small second flush may appear in autumn. The spring flowers provide the main seasonal display. The low leaves also give cover along the soil surface.

Grow this cinquefoil in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts light shade but does not grow in deep shade. It suits clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils are all suitable. Keep the soil moist without leaving it waterlogged. Established plants can cope with some drought. Cool northern summers suit it best. Heat and humidity can cause poor growth south of USDA zone 7. Listed hardiness spans USDA zones 5–7 and UK rating H7.

Use it in rock gardens, gravel beds, or border edges. It also serves as ground cover in sunny places. Plants may seed themselves where conditions suit them. Grow new plants from seed or divide existing clumps. No routine pruning is needed, and upkeep is low. Deer resistance adds to its landscape value. Serious pests and diseases are uncommon, though honey fungus may occur. RHS warns that people and pets must not eat the fruit. It also advises gloves and other protective gear when handling.