Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

Lady’s Mantle attracts a variety of beneficial wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, who are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small insects and can offer cover for ground-dwelling creatures.

• Foliage Emergence: Early spring
  
• Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer (typically May–July)
  
• Foliage: Semi-evergreen in mild climates; deciduous in colder zones
  
• Dormancy: Dies back in late fall to winter, reemerges in spring
  
  

Borders and edging

Ground cover

Underplanting roses or taller perennials

Cottage gardens

Cut flower arrangements

The leaves are large, round, and soft, with a scalloped edge. Each leaf has a slightly cupped shape that allows water droplets to collect, creating a beautiful shimmering effect. The foliage is light green to grey-green and remains attractive throughout the growing season, adding a lush, textured element to the garden.

• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May to July).
• Flower Description: Lady’s Mantle produces delicate, airy clusters of small, star-shaped, chartreuse-yellow flowers on stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers create a frothy appearance, adding a soft contrast to the plant’s rounded leaves. These blooms are long-lasting and can be cut for floral arrangements.

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall to allow roots to establish before harsh weather conditions.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5) is ideal.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and prevent overcrowding.

To maintain a neat appearance, deadhead spent flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding and encourage additional flowering. In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to ground level to promote healthy new growth.

Alchemilla mollis prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the first growing season while establishing. Water regularly, especially in hot, dry conditions. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought, but for the best performance, keep the soil evenly moist.

Partial shade to full sun. Lady’s Mantle thrives in partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, where too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn. It will tolerate full sun in cooler climates, provided it is kept well-watered.

Harvesting Use:

• Often cut for floral arrangements, where its chartreuse flower clusters add a frothy filler
  
• Foliage can also be harvested for textural greenery
  

When to Harvest:

• Early morning, after dew dries but before heat rises
  
• Harvest flowers when fully open, or slightly before for longer vase life
  

How to Harvest:

• Use clean, sharp shears to cut long stems at the base
  
• Strip lower leaves if placing in water
  
• Place immediately in cool water to preserve freshness

Lady’s Mantle generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization. You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil will also help boost nutrient levels and maintain soil moisture.

• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant in early spring to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. Mulch also helps suppress weeds and protect the roots during hot weather.
• Winter Care: Lady’s Mantle is cold-hardy and requires minimal winter care. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring to make room for new growth in the next season.

Alchemilla mollis is pollinated by bees and other insects. Its flowers provide nectar, making it a valuable plant for supporting pollinators in the garden. While not known for prolific self-seeding, if left unpruned, it can reseed itself under favorable conditions.

Alchemilla mollis thrives in partial shade to full sun (in cooler climates) and looks beautiful alongside a range of other perennials and shrubs:

 Ideal Companion Plants:

• Roses – Alchemilla’s soft foliage and frothy blooms contrast beautifully with bold rose blossoms
  
• Hosta – Shade-loving and adds broadleaf texture
  
• Astilbe – Enjoys similar moisture and shade conditions, adds plume-like flowers
  
• Heuchera – Colorful foliage pairs well with Alchemilla’s soft green leaves
  
• Nepeta (Catmint) – Offers a looser habit and soft blue flowers to complement the yellow blooms
  
• Geranium (Cranesbill) – Hardy and low-maintenance like Alchemilla
  
• Ferns – Great textural contrast and shared shade/moisture preferences