Common Name: Lady's Mantle

General Information

Alchemilla mollis is a herbaceous perennial plant forming a dense mat of leafy growth 15 - 30cm tall from a spreading, woody rootstock. Erect flowering stems 30 - 45cm tall are produced in late spring to summer[].
This species is not the medicinal plant Lady's Mantle. It is grown in gardens as an ornamental ground cover[]. The tendency of the leaves to retain moisture beads after a rain shower is considered to be a unique and attractive ornamental feature of the plant[].
The plant freely self-seeds in the garden to the point of spreading aggressively in optimum growing conditions[]. Although we have seen no specific reports of the plant invading native environments, perhaps the plant should not be introduced into any areas where it is not currently present[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern Europe - Ukraine, Romania; Western Asia - Turkey.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Apomictic
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun to part shade, preferring part afternoon shade in areas with hot summer[]. It is easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil[]
The plant freely self-seeds in the garden to the point of spreading aggressively in optimum growing conditions. Prompt removal of spent flower stems will not only prevent self-seeding but may also encourage a sparse, late summer rebloom[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

There are several plants known as Lady's Mantle. This species is often grown as an ornamental and ground cover in gardens, but is not a species that is used medicinally (see Alchemilla alpina and Alchemilla xanthocera)[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant spreads nicely and makes an attractive ground cover in open areas and light shade.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 16°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on a cold frame for their first winter, planting out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring or autumn. The divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we find it best to pot them up and keep them in a sheltered position until they are growing away well.