Lady's mantle
Alchemilla mollis · Rosaceae
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The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lady's mantle: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Alchemilla mollis
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Adult height
- 40 to 50 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green
- Flowering
- May to July, yellow-green flowers
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15 °C)
- Origin
- Caucasus and Turkey
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Alchemilla mollis tolerates difficult conditions but gives its best appearance in rich, moist soil: it thrives without heavy maintenance.
The common mistake
Letting it self-seed everywhere and invade neighboring areas by neglecting summer cutting.
The pro's trick
Radical cutting in February at 5 cm from the ground: it regrows more vigorous and the foliage is more beautiful.
Care
Light exposure
Alchemilla enjoys a semi-shaded to sunny exposure, ideally with 4 to 6 hours of daily light. It tolerates partial shade well and will flower even in these conditions, though more sun will intensify its color. Avoid overly hot exposures in Mediterranean climates.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period (spring-summer) to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering significantly. This plant appreciates humidity, particularly morning water that settles on the foliage.
Soil and terrain
Alchemilla thrives in rich, well-drained, slightly moist soil. Enrich the soil with compost or potting mix at planting time. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is perfect. Avoid overly chalky or excessively dry soils.
Pruning and maintenance
Cut the plant back to ground level in autumn or late winter to encourage a beautiful spring comeback. Remove spent flowers as they appear to extend the flowering period. This perennial self-seeds readily: eliminate flower heads if you don't want spontaneous seedlings.
Fertilizer
An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is usually sufficient. Light balanced fertilizer at the start of flowering can be beneficial in poor soil. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Alchemilla is very resistant and rarely affected by serious diseases or pests. Root rot can occur in overly wet or poorly drained soil. Aerate the soil and improve drainage if necessary. Occasional scale insects or aphids often disappear on their own.
Did you know?
Alchemilla owes its scientific name to the Arabic word "alchemy": in the Middle Ages, alchemists considered the dew retained in its rounded leaves to be a magical substance, probably because the water-repellent foliage prevents water from draining away. This plant was also reputed to promote wound healing and circulation, hence its traditional use in herbal medicine.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.