Lady's Mantle
alchemilla xanthochlora
Also known as: ["Lady's Mantle","Alchemilla vulgaris"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its unique kidney-shaped leaves and sprays of small, yellowish-green flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Alchemilla |
| Botanical Name: | Alchemilla xanthochlora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°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, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); tolerates dappled light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch; protect from intense afternoon sun; suitable for shaded garden beds or woodland settings.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun preferred; avoid harsh afternoon sun; dappled light ideal for optimal growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler conditions, especially at night.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; apply after watering to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps carefully.
- Cut stems just below a node.
- Plant in prepared medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but can help with root initiation.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new location within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Divide mature plants for quicker results; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back straggly stems to the nearest healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruners, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy stems; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows; susceptible to frost damage in winter.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold weather; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become leggy; flowers may fade quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring to early autumn); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlchemilla xanthochlora is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAlchemilla xanthochlora is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAlchemilla xanthochlora, commonly known as Lady's Mantle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used historically in traditional medicine for its astringent properties, particularly in wound healing and as a remedy for menstrual disorders. No significant toxic effects have been documented in humans.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lady's Mantle toxic to pets?
A: No, Lady's Mantle is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Lady's Mantle require full sun?
A: Lady's Mantle prefers partial shade and can tolerate full shade.
Q: Can Lady's Mantle be grown indoors?
A: Lady's Mantle is primarily an outdoor plant and thrives in garden settings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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