Introducing...
Alchemilla
Common name: Lady’s mantle
Forming mounds of scalloped leaves, topped with a froth of acid-green flowers in mid-summer, these low-maintenance ground-cover plants thrive in sun or partial shade. There are several species, but the most popular – and deservedly so – is Alchemilla mollis. A staple of the cottage-style gardens, alchemilla is also a classic cut-flower companion to roses and sweet peas.
Looks
Alchemillas produce frothy billows of greeny-yellow flowers in summer, above compact mounds of rounded leaves. These catch raindrops, making them appear jewelled after a downpour. Alchemillas are herbaceous perennials, so they die down in autumn but reappear in spring.
Likes
Alchemillas are hardy, easy-going plants that are happy in sun or partial shade, in most soil types.
Dislikes
They dislike waterlogged or very dry conditions, prefering slightly moist but free-draining soil.
Did you know?
Alchemillas are unaffected by most pests – slug and snails avoid their downy leaves, and even rabbits and deer usually turn up their noses at them. So alchemillas are a great choice if your garden is badly affected by any of these creatures.
Growing guide
How to grow alchemillas
All the information you’ll need to know to grow and care for alchemillas in your garden.
Alchemilla we recommend
Alchemilla epipsila
sparsely-foliated Lady's mantle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alchemilla erythropoda
dwarf lady's mantle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alchemilla epipsila
sparsely-foliated Lady's mantle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alchemilla erythropoda
dwarf lady's mantle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Cut flowers: growing and selection
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Perennials: cutting back
Perennials: planting
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.