Description
Potentilla palustris (now listed in UK floras as Comarum palustre), known as marsh cinquefoil, is a UK native of swamps, mires and wet meadows. Its sprawling stems carry grey-green, toothed leaves and, in early summer, deep wine-red, star-shaped flowers.
Marsh cinquefoil at a glance
| Botanical name |
Comarum palustre (syn. Potentilla palustris) |
| Common name |
Marsh cinquefoil, purple marshlocks |
| Plant type |
Creeping, sprawling perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 20–40 cm tall (up to 50 cm), spreading 50–100 cm |
| Flowers |
Deep wine-red, star-shaped, May to July |
| Position |
Full sun |
| Soil |
Permanently wet clay or loam |
| Pond depth |
Permanently wet soil or 0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland (native wild flower) |
Is marsh cinquefoil good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and bees and hoverflies visit the flowers, including several kinds of bumblebee. It has declined in the wild as wetlands have been lost. Buy nursery-grown plants; never collect from the wild.
Where to plant it
- The very shallow, sunny edge of a wildlife pond
- Bog gardens with permanently wet soil
- Pond edges where its stems can sprawl over the water
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring in permanently wet soil or very shallow water. It spreads without taking over. Wear gloves when handling it; the RHS says the fruit is not for eating.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
