About

Alchemilla 'Irish Silk' is a herbaceous perennial that reaches heights of up to 45 cm, creating a lush mound of broad, softly textured, light green foliage. From late spring through summer, it generates robust stems that support loose clusters of small, yellowish-green blooms, which are suitable for floral arrangements.

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

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

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
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Pruning
Trim back tatty leaves and spent flower stems in midsummer for a second flush
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring, or by division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free