Potentilla nepalensis 'Miss Willmott'
nepal cinquefoil
Overview
Potentilla nepalensis 'Miss Willmott' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family, growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. It forms a low mound of strawberry-like, palmate green leaves divided into five toothed leaflets, above which branching, wiry stems carry loose sprays of flat, five-petaled flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. The flowers of this cultivar are cherry-pink to rose with a darker crimson eye, opening from early summer into early autumn. The branching stems can sprawl outward and lean on neighboring plants, giving the clump a loose, open form. The plant grows from a fibrous crown and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. It grows in full sun to light part shade in most well-drained soils and tolerates poor, dry ground once established. Wet, heavy soil and deep shade weaken the plant and reduce flowering. Cutting back after the first flush prompts further bloom and tidies the sprawling stems. The cultivar comes fairly true from seed but is kept exact by division. Flowers draw bees and other pollinators. The species is native to the western Himalaya, and this cultivar is grown in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and the front of sunny beds.
Native Range
Potentilla nepalensis is native to the western Himalaya, including Nepal and northern India, where it grows in open meadows and on grassy slopes. 'Miss Willmott' is a garden cultivar selected for its cherry-pink flowers.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and the front of sunny beds, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. The long bloom season suits informal and pollinator plantings. The sprawling stems weave among lower neighbors.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cherry-pink to rose with a crimson eyeFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light part shade in most well-drained soils, tolerating poor, dry ground once established. Water needs are low to medium, and wet, heavy soil or deep shade weaken the plant and cut flowering. In USDA zones 5 through 8 it is cold hardy and dies back over winter. The branching stems sprawl and lean on neighbors, so the clump keeps a loose, open form. Cutting back after the first flush tidies the stems and prompts rebloom. Lifting and dividing every few years keeps the clump vigorous.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut back after the first flush to tidy the sprawling growth and encourage further bloom. The plant is cut to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Division in spring renews older clumps and keeps the cultivar true.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons