Alchemilla Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Alchemilla plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Lady's Mantle: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common name for the Hardy perennial Alchemilla is Lady's mantle.

It typically flowers in the summer.

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 264.

Description of Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla are low growing plants. Lady's mantle has sprays of pale yellow or green flowers, and has pale green, crimped foliage.

As a consequence of the plants small height they make great edging plants, and are ideal for rockeries.

Alchemilla mollis photograph by Wallygrom.

How to Grow Alchemilla species such as Lady's Mantle

It is best to sow Lady's mantle and other Alchemilla at a depth of 1/4 cm, with a spacing of one foot (30 cm) for smaller species and up to 18 inches (45 cm) apart for larger species. Sow out in either the spring or autumn. Lady's mantle prefers partly shady or full sunlight as long as it is kept moist.

The soil should be well drained, yet moist with humus added. Alchemilla requires between 3 and 4 weeks to germinate.

If started off indoors it is best to grow at a temperature of 59 to 68°F (15 to 20 degrees centigrade) for about six to eight weeks, then put the transplants outdoors in the spring.

Caring for Alchemilla in the Garden

Alchemilla requires flowers to be deadheaded following blooming, this will to prevent the plant from selfing.

Common Questions

How many members does the Alchemilla genus have?

The Alchemilla genus, commonly known as lady's mantle, consists of about 300 species of perennial plants.

Do members of Alchemilla make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Alchemilla mollis, the garden lady's mantle, is a popular choice in gardens for its attractive foliage and small, bright yellow flowers. It's often used as a ground cover or in the front of borders.

Which Alchemilla species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Alchemilla mollis, the garden lady's mantle. Its frothy yellow-green flowers and scalloped leaves are a common sight in many gardens.

Are members of the Alchemilla plant genus fragrant?

Alchemilla plants are not known for their fragrance, but more for their attractive foliage and flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Alchemilla?

Alchemilla prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types.

Is Alchemilla invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Alchemilla is not listed as an invasive species in the USA.

How do I remove Alchemilla plants from my garden?

If you wish to remove Alchemilla, you can manually dig out the plants, ensuring to remove all the roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Alchemilla genus, part of the Rosaceae family, includes around 300 species of perennials, with Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady's Mantle, being the most widely grown. These plants, native to cool temperate and subarctic regions, are beloved for their frothy clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers and fan-shaped leaves that collect dew or raindrops.

Alchemillaa plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but they can tolerate a range of conditions. They are an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and ground cover. In addition to their ornamental charm, some Alchemilla species have been used in traditional herbal medicine.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Alchemilla plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: Growing Amelanchier alnifolia, Indian Hawthorn, Rosa multiflora, and Beach Rose plants.