Potentilla Arc en Ciel

Potentilla Arc en Ciel is a perennial hybrid variety of potentilla, whose rather large flowers for a potentilla display a particularly original rainbow colour that is full of surprises. It produces a profusion of semi-double to double flowers all summer long, red with touches of orange, with a small bronze centre, irregularly and randomly bordered with yellow, with each one different. They are carried by the slender and ramified stems of its spreading branches. Its vibrant green deciduous foliage resembles that of strawberries. This plant of great ornamental value is also easy to grow in any ordinary, well-drained but not overly dry soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded position.

Potentilla x cultorum Arc en Ciel is a horticultural creation resulting from cross-breeding different species of Potentilla. Like strawberries, to which it bears some resemblance, it belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a perennial plant with creeping stems that forms a round and dense cushion, measuring 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) in height and spreading over 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 in). Its foliage is as soft to the eye as it is to the touch. The lower leaves are divided into five toothed leaflets, the upper leaves into three leaflets, and covered with silky, bright green, satin-like hairs. Flowering takes place from June to August, with a possible re-blooming in autumn if the plant is pruned. The flowers appear on ramified stalks at the tips of the stems, resembling small, more or less double wild roses, 4 cm (2 in) in diameter, initially red and gradually becoming yellow over time. The centre of the flower is slightly darker. This perennial will reach full maturity after 4 to 5 years of growth.

Potentilla Arc en Ciel is perfect for edging pathways or along a terrace, combined with paniculate saxifrages or small sedums. It is also very beautiful in a not overly dry rockery, accompanied by pasqueflowers, Waldsteinia ternata, Fragaria Pink Panda, grey artemisias, and teucriums, etc. It can also be associated with creeping gypsophiles, Saponaria ocymioïdes, perennial geranium Philippe Vapel, garden valerian, and Dianthus erinaceus, etc. It also grows very well in pots, with regular watering.