Overview
Alchemilla is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Alchemilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Alchemilla grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and rock garden.
About
Alchemilla is a matforming perennial alpine rockery plant from the Rosaceae family, known for its basal, palmately lobed leaves. It produces clusters of small yellow or greenish flowers in spring and summer. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, it suits a range of garden settings such as city courtyards, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. Propagation is by seed in spring or division in early spring or autumn.
About the genus
Alchemilla is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Rosaceae, with the common name lady's mantle applied generically as well as specifically to Alchemilla mollis when referred to as a garden plant. The plant used as a herbal tea or for medicinal usage such as gynaecological disorders is Alchemilla xanthochlora or in Middle Europe the so-called common lady's mantle Alchemilla vulgaris. There are about 700 species, the majority native to cool temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, with a few species native to the mountains of Africa and the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Alchemilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alchemilla
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Alchemilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Alchemilla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring or by division in early spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Alchemilla?
Alchemilla prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alchemilla need?
Alchemilla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Alchemilla hardy in the UK?
Alchemilla has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Alchemilla?
Propagate by seed in spring or by division in early spring or autumn.
