Description
Alchemilla mollis, also known as Lady’s mantle, is a charming and useful herbaceous perennial that is popular in UK gardens. This plant is a member of the rose family and is prized for its soft, velvety foliage and delicate, chartreuse flowers. Lady’s mantle is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It produces clusters of small, yellow-green flowers in the early summer, which are a favourite of bees and other pollinators. The plant’s foliage is the real star of the show, however, with leaves that are large, round, and soft to the touch. These leaves catch and hold raindrops, creating a beautiful and unique effect that can add interest and texture to a border or container. As a low-maintenance, clump-forming plant, Lady’s mantle is an excellent choice for groundcover or edging. It is also a valuable addition to a cottage garden, where its delicate flowers and foliage can complement other old-fashioned favourites like roses and peonies. In addition to its ornamental value, Alchemilla mollis has a long history of medicinal use. The plant was traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, including menstrual cramps, digestive complaints, and wound healing. Overall, Alchemilla mollis is a charming and versatile addition to any UK garden. Its soft foliage, delicate flowers, and easy care requirements make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Lady’s Mantle
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Alchemilla mollis can grow to a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m.
- Did You Know That:The name Alchemilla comes from the idea that water taken from the leaves of these plants was pure enough to use for Alchemy?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Alchemilla mollis prefers moist but well-draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Alchemilla mollis can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and is a very versatile plant that can cope with full shade, partial shade, or full sun.
Maintenance
Alchemilla mollis can be trimmed to remove any untidy foliage in late Summer, this will later be replaced by new growth.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Alchemilla mollis is generally pest free, and it tends not to have problems with diseases. It is not considered to be toxic.
