Potentilla thurberi aka Scarlet Cinquefoil

Potentilla thurberi is known as scarlet cinquefoil. It is a perennial, a plant that lives for years. It belongs to Rosaceae, the rose family. The RHS accepts its scientific name as correct. It says the plant is not native to Britain or Ireland. The sources do not say where else it grows wild. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it as a garden perennial. It grows in a mound, not as an upright screen. Neither source gives its full-grown height or width.

Red flowers are its main noted feature through the seasons. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from May through August. There, these months span late spring and summer. These dates serve as a guide for other sites. They do not promise blooms at each site. The sources give no facts about its fruit or seeds. Nor do they describe this species' leaves or stems. The RHS gives a broader account of the genus. This does not show which traits scarlet cinquefoil itself has.

Grow scarlet cinquefoil in full sun or partial shade. Chicago Botanic Garden says both light levels suit it. The garden lists its water needs as moderate. It says the plant can cope with drought once established. This means its roots must first settle into the site. Its usual water needs differ from its strength in dry spells. The drought claim does not apply to plants just planted. The garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9 for this species. The sources give no matching UK hardiness rating. They do not state which soil texture it needs. Nor do they state its drainage needs or preferred pH.

Chicago Botanic Garden lists uses in bedding and borders. Its mound shape and red blooms suit those uses. The garden also lists it for screens and hedges. Yet it gives no size to help plan such uses. It lists deer resistance, not full protection from deer feeding. Neither source names other pests or diseases for this species. Neither gives facts about parts to eat or medicinal uses. Nor do they assess this species' toxicity to people or pets. These gaps do not prove that the plant is safe. The clearest care facts concern light, water, and winter hardiness.