Alchemilla glaucescens
Alchemilla glaucescens · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant alchemilla glaucescens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, bluish-grey, palmate and serrated
- Flowering
- June to September, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers
- Mature size
- 30 to 50 cm in height, 40 to 60 cm in spread
- Growth
- Moderate, fairly rapid under favourable conditions
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous regions of central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, slightly moist
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Water in the late afternoon and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Light exposure
Position your bluish lady's mantle in partial shade to light shade. It tolerates morning sun but dislikes hot, drying afternoon exposures. This mountain plant appreciates a cool, airy environment.
Soil and drainage
Prepare well-drained substrate rich in organic matter with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adding well-decomposed compost or potting soil at planting encourages establishment. Ensure water doesn't pool, particularly in winter.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage branching and maintain compact shape. In late winter, remove dead foliage and dead stems to promote spring growth. You can deadhead faded flowers to extend flowering.
Fertiliser
Apply balanced fertiliser diluted in spring as growth begins. A second light application in early summer supports flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Bluish lady's mantle is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in stagnant humidity or poorly ventilated conditions. Slugs may damage young leaves in spring. Good air circulation and watering at the base minimise these risks.
Did you know?
The name 'lady's mantle' comes from the Arabic word 'alkimia' (alchemy): the Ancients believed that dew retained in the palmate leaves of this plant possessed miraculous properties. This foliage's ability to capture water truly recalls the magic of nature!
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Apple treeMalus domestica
- Cherry treePrunus avium
- BlackthornPrunus spinosa
- Salad burnetPoterium sanguisorba
- Bird cherryPrunus padus
- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.