Bloodroot - Tormentil [Potentilla erecta]

The perennial bloodroot is a dye and medicinal plant with a very effective hemostatic effect. The roots contain tannin, a plant tannin that provides antioxidants and slows down oxidation. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting of roots, flowers and leaves.

 Description 
The bloodroot is a perennial dye and medicinal plant that has been known since ancient times and can be used to treat numerous ailments. In Europe, the species can still be found in the wild in Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The tannin-containing roots secrete an intense orange-red substance that provides antioxidants and slows down oxidation. The interesting thing about this species is its 4-petaled flowers. All other Potentilla species have 5 petals. The dried powder or the fresh root is used as a hemostatic agent. Bloodroot has a low growth and grows mainly on heaths, poor meadows, on open forest slopes and forest edges and is considered a typical species, especially in heaths. It is considered an indicator plant for nitrogen-poor soils.

 General information 
Plant family: Rosaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 5-10 °C
Germination time: 5-20 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from January to March or in autumn from November to December. The ideal location for the plants is partial shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.

 General recommendations 
The seeds of this variety need about 2 weeks of exposure to cold so that they can germinate optimally. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Bloodroot prefers a permeable, moderately nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. The species is highly adaptable and thrives even in nutrient-poor soils. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Germinates irregularly by nature. The above-ground parts of the plant die in winter and the rhizomes survive in the soil and sprout again in spring. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or rhizomes.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Potentilla erecta
English names: Blood root, Tormentil
German names: Blutwurz, Tormentill, Durmentill, Natternwurz, Rotwurz, Ruhrwurz, Siebenfinger
Portuguese names: Tormenta
Spanish names: Tormento
French names: Tourmentille

 Origin 
Country: Germany