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Lady's mantle

Alchemilla xanthochlora · Rosaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant lady's mantle: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, light green, palmate and pleated
Flowering
June to September, small yellow-green flowers
Adult size
16 to 24 inches tall, 20 to 28 inches wide
Growth
Moderate to fast
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -4 °F
Origin
Western and central Europe
Soil type
Rich, moist and well-drained
Exposure
Part shade to shade

Care

Watering

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. In summer, water regularly if rainfall is insufficient. Significantly reduce watering in winter. Alchemilla dislikes stagnant excess moisture that promotes rot.

Exposure

Prefer part shade or light shade, ideal at the base of shrubs or at the edge of wooded areas. In cool, humid climates, it tolerates full sun if the soil stays moist. Avoid hot afternoon sun in warm regions.

Pruning and maintenance

Cut the plant back close to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage full branching. Remove spent flowers to extend blooming. Clean up damaged foliage as needed. No difficult pruning is required.

Soil and preparation

Enrich the soil with compost or well-decomposed organic matter when planting. Soil rich in humus and well-drained is ideal for good growth. Add organic mulch at the base to retain moisture and limit temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizing

A compost application in spring is generally sufficient for annual needs. You can supplement with a balanced gentle fertilizer at the start of the season if the soil seems poor. Avoid excess nitrogen which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Problem prevention

Alchemilla is rarely susceptible to diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather: improve air circulation and reduce leaf moisture. Stagnant excess water can lead to root rot. Drain better or raise the base slightly if moisture persists.

Did you know?

Alchemilla is famous for its ability to retain morning dew drops, forming translucent pearls on its pleated leaves. This remarkable phenomenon fascinated medieval alchemists, who saw in this water a magical substance with purifying virtues, hence the poetic English name 'lady's mantle' (the cloak of the Madonna).

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.