Potentilla cultorum Flamenco - Cinquefoil

Potentilla 'Flamenco' is a lovely perennial plant forming a spreading cushion, offering small single flowers in shades of red-orange to scarlet, adorned with a small black centre. They are carried by the slender and ramified stems that make up its spreading branches, dominating a vibrant green deciduous foliage that resembles that of strawberries. This hybrid variety is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in any ordinary soil that is not too dry.

Potentilla x cultorum Flamenco is a horticultural hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of different Potentilla species. 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 pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch. The lower leaves are divided into five dentate leaflets and the upper leaves into three leaflets, covered with silky, bright green, satin-like hairs. Flowering takes place from June to August, with possible re-flowering in autumn if the plant is pruned. The flowers appear on ramified stalks at the ends of the stems, resembling small wild roses measuring 2 to 3 cm (1 in) in diameter, displaying a brilliant red that becomes more orange with time. The centre of the flower is dark, almost black. This perennial will reach its full potential after 4 to 5 years of growth.

Potentilla Flamenco is a true star of borders: it adorns the edges of pathways and softens the design of a partially shaded terrace, accompanied by paniculate saxifrages, heucheras 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 small grasses such as Pennisetum orientale, Heliotrichon (oats) and fescues, or mixed with simple perennials such as cupid's darts (Catananche) and Centaurea pulcherrima to create colourful and charming scenes. It also grows very well in pots, with regular watering.

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