Alchemilla mollis

RHS Plant Profile
lady's mantle

Synonyms

Alchemilla grandiflora hort.

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial forming a clump of softly hairy, light green leaves with scalloped and toothed edges. Small, bright yellow flowers are borne in large sprays just above the foliage

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Alchemilla are perennials with palmately lobed basal leaves and sprays of tiny, yellow or greenish flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Carpathians, Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture; suitable for sun or shade. Prone to self-seeding

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Once the flowers and foliage become untidy from late summer onwards, shear off and new foliage will appear

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free