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. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and rock garden. It is native to Turkey to Iran.

About

This perennial reaches a height of up to 15 cm, developing a compact clump. Its leaves are approximately 4 cm wide, with a rounded shape and a soft, hairy texture, featuring sharply toothed lobes and a grey-green hue. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers arranged in clusters on reddish stems.

About the genus

Alchemilla consists of perennial plants characterized by their basal leaves, which are palmately lobed. They produce clusters of small flowers that can be yellow or greenish in color.

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
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native to
Turkey to Iran

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Alchemilla erythropoda

Cultivation
Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture; suitable for sun or partial shade. Prone to self-seeding.
Pruning
Once the flowers and foliage become untidy from late summer onwards, shear off and new foliage will appear
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Alchemilla erythropoda?

Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture; suitable for sun or partial shade. Prone to self-seeding.

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?

Once the flowers and foliage become untidy from late summer onwards, shear off and new foliage will appear.

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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.

How do I propagate Alchemilla erythropoda?

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring or autumn.