About

Alchemilla mollis, lady's mantle, is one of the most widely grown and best-loved of all herbaceous perennials, forming a clump of softly hairy, light green, rounded leaves with scalloped and toothed edges that hold dewdrops and raindrops in a way that seems almost magical. Through late spring and summer, frothy sprays of petite, bright yellow-green flowers are borne just above the foliage. Invaluable as a ground-cover, edging plant and partner for roses.

About the genus

Alchemilla, the lady's mantles, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with palmately lobed or divided basal leaves � often covered with fine hairs that hold water droplets � and airy sprays of tiny yellow or greenish-yellow flowers in summer. Valued as ground-cover plants and front-of-border edging, they self-seed freely and are long-lived and undemanding.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toCarpathians, Caucasus

Care notes

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