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. Suggested uses include ground cover, cottage gardens, herbaceous borders and wildlife gardens. It is native to Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Alchemilla mollis, the garden lady's-mantle or lady's-mantle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to Southern Europe and grown throughout the world as an ornamental garden plant. It grows 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall, with leaves that are palmately veined, with a scalloped and serrated margin. The stipules are noteworthy in that they are fused together and leaf like. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade, 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, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alchemilla mollis
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 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
- Ground cover, Cottage gardens, Herbaceous borders, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla mollis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidier growth; 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 mollis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
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?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidier growth; cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Alchemilla mollis?
Division in spring or autumn, Seed in spring.
More in the Alchemilla genus
Browse all Alchemilla →
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