Chinese Cinquefoil (Potentilla chinensis)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a well-drained loam, preferring a position in full sun but tolerating shade. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Edible uses

Young shoots and leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Medicinal uses

The plant is rich in tannins. The plant has antitumour activity.

Habitat

Sandy sunny places, especially along the banks of rivers, C. and S. Japan.

Native range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.