Potentilla nepalensis aka Rosy Cinquefoil

Potentilla nepalensis, or Nepal cinquefoil, belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It comes from the western Himalayas, including Nepal and Pakistan. Records place it in grazing land and cultivated ground. These sites lie at 6,890–8,860 feet [2,100–2,700 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This herbaceous perennial forms clumps and loses its leaves each year.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. The RHS description gives a height near 3 feet [0.9 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The dark green leaves look like strawberry leaves. Each leaf has five broad leaflets. Branched stems carry a red tint and loose flower clusters. The dark pink or dark red flowers span about one inch. Flowers appear through summer, with PFAF also reporting early autumn bloom. The plant may spread into an uneven, sprawling shape.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. Poor to moderately rich ground suits it. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Its moisture range runs from dry to moist ground. Both open and sheltered sites suit it. South-facing and west-facing sites provide the sun it needs. The RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–10.

Use it in flower beds, borders, and informal cottage gardens. The RHS also lists coastal gardens and wildlife gardens. Its summer flowers provide colour among other border plants. It needs no routine pruning, and pests seldom cause trouble. Honey fungus can affect it, so disease is still possible. Grow new plants from seed in spring or autumn. Divide established clumps in either of those seasons too.

PFAF lists the cooked, starchy root as an edible part. It also records traditional medicinal uses for the root. These include use as a depurative and ashes mixed with oil for burns. Such records do not establish safety or medical benefit. PFAF reports no known hazards, but the RHS gives specific warnings. The RHS says people and pets must not eat the fruit. It also advises gloves and protective gear when handling plants. Treat the edible-root record separately from that fruit warning.