Overview
Alchemilla alpina L. is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Alchemilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Alchemilla alpina L. grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It is native to Newfoundland, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and Greenland.
About
Alchemilla alpina L. (alpine lady's mantle) is a matforming alpine rockery plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous species that grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for all aspects, including north, south, east, and west-facing positions. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered environments and prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Its season of interest is summer.
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
- H7
Plant details
Alchemilla alpina L. size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Newfoundland, Quebec, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Greenland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla alpina L.
- Cultivation
- Prefers cool, moist conditions; avoid hot, dry sites. Suitable for alpine and rock gardens. Requires well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soils.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage in spring to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Seed in spring, Division in early spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Alchemilla alpina L.?
Prefers cool, moist conditions; avoid hot, dry sites. Suitable for alpine and rock gardens. Requires well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soils.
Where is the best place to plant Alchemilla alpina L.?
Alchemilla alpina L. prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alchemilla alpina L. need?
Alchemilla alpina L. 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.
How do I prune Alchemilla alpina L.?
Remove dead or damaged foliage in spring to maintain appearance.
How big does Alchemilla alpina L. grow?
Alchemilla alpina L. reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Alchemilla alpina L. hardy in the UK?
Alchemilla alpina L. has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Alchemilla alpina L.?
Seed in spring, Division in early spring or autumn.
