Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

Potentilla palustris, also known as marsh cinquefoil or bog strawberry, is a British native found growing naturally alongside ponds, streams and ditches. It has strawberry-like leaves and wine-red, star-shaped flowers in early summer, which are very attractive to butterflies, bees and hoverflies.

As its common names suggest, Potentilla palustris likes wet conditions - plant in a bog garden or at the edge of a pond. It will gradually spread, shading the water.

Plant Potentilla palustris near the edge of a pond in an aquatic basket containing aquatic compost, with around 10cm of water over the top of it. Alternatively, plant in a bog garden or in a pond in a pot.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Pruneyes

Potentilla and wildlife

Potentilla is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and provides shelter and habitat.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Potentilla poisonous?

Potentilla has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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