Potentilla atrosanguinea

A species of the Rosaceae family, it grows wild in the Himalayan mountains and was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the mid-19th century, as it is easy to grow, perennial and has a long-lasting, staggered flowering period. In its native habitat, it grows at an altitude corresponding to our subalpine and alpine zones, in moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. 

A perennial species, it forms a dense clump from which stiff stems branch out, bearing clusters of flowers in panicle-like inflorescences. Velvety ruby-red in colour, the flowers consist of five petals, resembling the shape of a rose. The foliage is also distinctive, as it resembles that of the wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca): the leaves are trilobed and have serrated margins. The only difference is a light fuzz that gives the leaves a grey, tomentose appearance. Both species, Fragaria vesca and Potentilla atrosanguinea, belong to the same plant family: the Rosaceae. 

It is interesting to note that red is a colour rarely found in mountain plants when it comes to the colour of the flower, and is therefore a rare feature of mountain flora.