Overview
Alchemilla erythropoda is a clump forming herbaceous perennial 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 erythropoda grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover, cottage gardens, herbaceous borders and wildlife gardens. It is native to Czechia-Slovakia.
About
Alchemilla erythropoda, the dwarf lady's mantle, is a species of flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Eastern Europe. It forms a clump of hairy, palmate leaves up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) high, with sprays of green-yellow flowers in early summer. The leaves of this and its relative A. mollis are noted for being highly water-repellent. It is smaller than A. mollis, however, and its leaves may develop a reddish tinge if grown in full sun. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alchemilla erythropoda
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Alchemilla erythropoda size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Cottage gardens, Herbaceous borders, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Czechia-Slovakia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla erythropoda
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for ground cover and borders. Can be divided in spring or autumn to propagate.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness. Cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn, Seed in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Alchemilla erythropoda?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for ground cover and borders. Can be divided in spring or autumn to propagate.
Where is the best place to plant Alchemilla erythropoda?
Alchemilla erythropoda prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alchemilla erythropoda need?
Alchemilla erythropoda 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.
How do I prune Alchemilla erythropoda?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness. Cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh growth.
How big does Alchemilla erythropoda grow?
Alchemilla erythropoda 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 erythropoda hardy in the UK?
Alchemilla erythropoda 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 erythropoda?
Division in spring or autumn, Seed in spring.
More in the Alchemilla genus
Browse all Alchemilla →
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