Potentilla alchimilloides

A perennial of the Rosaceae family, this cinquefoil is endemic to the central and western Pyrenees, where it colonizes sunny rocks and cliffs, generally between 1,200 and 2,400 meters in altitude.

It forms upright clumps reaching 20 to 30 cm in height at full bloom. The palmate leaves, with five to seven toothed oval leaflets, have a dark green upper surface and a densely white-tomentose underside. Outside of flowering, the resemblance to certain alpine lady's mantles is striking — this is what inspired the species name. The white flower with five petals immediately dispels any doubt.

The flowers, with five slightly notched pure white petals and a yellow center, are gathered in loose cymes that generously cover the plant. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August depending on altitude. In cultivation, it generally blooms from May to July.

It thrives in full sun, in well-drained soil, poor to moderately rich, preferably calcareous. It is perfectly suited to sunny rock gardens, walls, and dry stone gardens, where it proves robust and undemanding once established.