How to Grow Alchemilla alpina Plants in your Garden

Alchemilla alpina, commonly known as Alpine Lady's Mantle, is an easy to care for plant that is typically used as a ground-cover or edging plant.

As the common name suggests it is native to mountainous regions where it can often be seen in highland meadows and moorland.

Alchemilla-alpina leaves and buds closeup photograph by Babij; CC.

It grows well in US Zones 4 to 7, and so should survive to temperatures as low as -35°C (-30°F). This will make it hardy in the UK to RHS zone H7.

Alchemilla alpina L. photograph by Udo Schmidt.

It is a low profile plant that can reach from 3 to 8 inches (8 to 20 cm) in height, with pale green leaves and silver edges.

In summer, small sprays of chartreuse flowers bloom atop weak stems. Sometimes called "Mountain Mantle," it can spread to about twelve inches (30 cm) wide.

Botanical drawing of Alchemilla alpina (Alpine Lady's Mantle), image sourced by Biodiversity Heritage Library; CC.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Alpine Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla alpina does well in average soil that is well-drained and is an especially good plant for rock gardens.

Alchemilla alpina does well in average soil that is well-drained and is an especially good plant for rock gardens.

Alchemilla alpina does well in most zones, requires only average watering, and is generally disease- and pest-free.

This plant is a perennial that likes moist soil. It does well in full sun or partial shade.

Mountain Mantle does best in outdoor gardens, but can also thrive in patio containers or planters. Because it does so well as a cold hardy ground-cover plant, it is not generally used as an indoor plant.

Alchemilla alpina is mostly low maintenance and needs very little in the way of soil preparation or location considerations.

Many people use it in rock or gravel gardens, as an edging plant, or even under shrubs since it tolerates both full sun and partial shade.

Because it does not need any special considerations for water or soil, it can go almost anywhere in a garden or wherever ground cover is needed.

Close up of Alpine Lady's Mantle yellow flowers, image by Brian Gratwicke; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Alchemilla alpina. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Waldsteinia ternata and Rosa multiflora plants.