Overview
Alchemilla pectinata is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Alchemilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Alchemilla pectinata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow, underplanting of roses and shrubs, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and garden edging.
About
Alchemilla pectinata is a clump-forming perennial cultivar within the Alchemilla genus, known for its basal, palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small yellow or greenish flowers. It is deciduous and suited to alpine rockery settings, thriving in full sun or partial shade across various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is ideal for use in cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, wildflower meadows, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs. It flowers in spring and summer and can be propagated by seed or division.
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 sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Alchemilla pectinata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alchemilla pectinata
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Alchemilla pectinata?
Alchemilla pectinata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alchemilla pectinata need?
Alchemilla pectinata 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.
Is Alchemilla pectinata hardy in the UK?
Alchemilla pectinata 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 pectinata?
Seed, Division.
