Alpine Lady's Mantle
alchemilla alpina
Also known as: ["Mountain Lady's Mantle","Alpine Alchemilla"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to alpine regions, known for its unique foliage and small greenish-yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Alchemilla |
| Botanical Name: | Alchemilla alpina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or shaded borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to remove dead/damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Remove up to one-third of old stems if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade for 4–6 hours daily. Tolerates full sun in cooler climates but prefers afternoon shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide dappled shade during peak afternoon hours. Indoors, place near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing one.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid intense midday sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C). Tolerates frost but may struggle in prolonged heat above 75°F (24°C).
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good air flow; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in peak heat.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent temperatures around 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide gentle warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove old or damaged foliage. Focus on post-flowering pruning to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); avoid excessive size increases.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Alchemilla alpina prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water 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. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but are generally tolerated. Prolonged freezing without protection can damage roots or cause dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold conditions to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering. Heat stress may lead to premature dormancy.
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 every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlchemilla alpina is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to felines when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAlchemilla alpina is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to canines when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAlchemilla alpina, commonly known as Alpine Lady's Mantle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties, particularly in wound healing and as a remedy for menstrual disorders. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Alchemilla alpina attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Alchemilla alpina toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common problems with Alchemilla alpina?
A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and leaf spots.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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