Lady's Mantle
alchemilla mollis
Also known as: ["Lady's Mantle","Alchemilla vulgaris"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with scalloped leaves and small, yellow-green flowers, often used in gardens for its attractive foliage and traditional medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Alchemilla |
| Botanical Name: | Alchemilla mollis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers loam.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in early summer; light pruning can be done in fall if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an old plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; dappled light works well in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; adjust watering based on temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and shoots.
- For cuttings, take 4–6 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for cuttings; partial shade for divisions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated directly in the garden.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots or garden space.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting spent flowers just above a leaf or bud; thin stems by cutting back to the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged stems; deadhead spent flowers; thin crowded growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
For containers, move up one size; garden divisions should be replanted at the same depth.
Method
For containers, use fresh potting mix and ensure good drainage; for garden plants, divide clumps and replant immediately.
Suggestions
Not typically needed unless grown in containers; division is more common for garden plants.
Checklist
Prepare new container or site; divide or repot gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure water penetrates deeply but does not pool.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration; can survive light frosts but prolonged cold may damage roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlchemilla mollis is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic effects or physiological impacts have been reported in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAlchemilla mollis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAlchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady's Mantle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Alchemilla mollis?
A: It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seed sowing in autumn.
Q: Does Alchemilla mollis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees and other beneficial insects.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Lady's Mantle?
A: It thrives in partial shade, moist but well-drained soil, and cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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