Overview
Alchemilla mollis 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 mollis grows best in full shade, 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, gravel garden and wildflower meadow. It is native to Carpathians and Caucasus.
About
Alchemilla mollis is a herbaceous perennial that develops a dense cluster of fuzzy, pale green leaves characterized by scalloped and serrated edges. Its small, yellow flowers appear in substantial clusters just above the foliage.
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 shade, 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, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Alchemilla mollis 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, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Carpathians, Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla mollis
- Cultivation
- Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture; suitable for sun or 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 mollis?
Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture; suitable for sun or shade. Prone to self-seeding.
Where is the best place to plant Alchemilla mollis?
Alchemilla mollis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alchemilla mollis need?
Alchemilla mollis 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 mollis?
Once the flowers and foliage become untidy from late summer onwards, shear off and new foliage will appear.
How big does Alchemilla mollis grow?
Alchemilla mollis 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 mollis hardy in the UK?
Alchemilla mollis has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Alchemilla mollis?
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring or autumn.