General Description
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a sub-shrub that grows up to 20-30cm tall and spreads through stolons.
Appearance
The sub-shrub has small, pinnately compound leaves that are bluish-green in color and covered in fine hairs that give them a velvety texture. The plant produces delicate yellow flowers arranged in clusters of 3-5. The flowers are 1.5cm in diameter and have five petals that are ovate and slightly notched at the tips.
Origin and Distribution
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. is native to the western part of North America, including Canada and the western United States. It grows in rocky and alpine areas, such as meadows, slopes, and ridges at an elevation of 1500-4000m above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Glaucous-leaved Cinquefoil, or Broad-leaved Cinquefoil, due to the velvety blue-grey leaves that have a glaucous appearance.
Uses
The sub-shrub is ornamental and is often grown as a groundcover in rock gardens or used as a border plant. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and inflammation.
Light Requirements
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. is a plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, but also benefits from some shade during the hottest part of the day. When grown in too much shade, the plant tends to become leggy and produces fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant may survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it does not do well in extreme temperatures and should be protected during heatwaves or cold snaps.
Soil Requirements
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 5.0 and 7.5. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost before planting to provide the necessary nutrients. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil, but too much acidity can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm., also known as Arctic cinquefoil, is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow. This plant prefers to grow in areas with full or partial sunlight. It also prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is advised to loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 inches and add compost or aged manure.
Watering Needs
Arctic cinquefoil requires moist soil, but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil has proper drainage. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type. During the growing season, it is best to provide more water to prevent drought stress.
Fertilization
Arctic cinquefoil does not require much fertilization. However, it benefits from a yearly application of balanced fertilizer. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided since they promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied in the spring before new growth appears.
Pruning
Arctic cinquefoil does not require much pruning. However, to encourage bushier growth and more flowers, it is best to prune back the stems by about one-third during the early spring. This can also help reduce the plant's overall size and control its shape. Deadheading or removing spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and encourage more flowers to develop.
Propagation of Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm.
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division of root clumps.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. can be sown in a well-drained soil mixture in early spring or late fall. The seeds should be sown thinly on the soil surface and covered lightly with a fine layer of soil. Water the soil gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes four to six weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation through Cuttings
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings taken in early summer. Select healthy, disease-free stems and cut them to a length of 5-7 cm. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into a well-drained soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. The cuttings should root within a few weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation through Division of Root Clumps
Potentilla diversifolia Lehm. ssp. glaucophylla (Lehm.) Lehm. can also be propagated through division of root clumps. This method is best done in early spring when new growth starts to emerge. Dig up the clump and separate the root sections using a sharp knife or garden fork. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, keeping the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Potentilla diversifolia ssp. glaucophylla is susceptible to a few diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases that affect this plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spotting and wilting of the plant. To manage, prune the affected parts and implement good sanitation practices. Fungicide treatment may also be necessary in severe cases.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, reducing photosynthesis. Use fungicides, remove the plant debris, and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Root rot: Potentilla diversifolia ssp. glaucophylla is susceptible to root rot due to overwatering and poor soil drainage. Avoid overwatering and use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Potentilla diversifolia ssp. glaucophylla can also suffer damage from pests. Here are some common pests that affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stem and can spread diseases. Remove the infested parts or apply insecticidal soaps.
- Spider mites: These pests cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves, affecting the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Use predatory mites or treat the plant with insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Snails/Slugs: These slow-moving pests can cause significant damage to the plant by nibbling on leaves, stems, and flowers. Use copper tape around the plant's base and avoid overwatering.
