Lady's Mantle

alchemilla glabra

Also known as: ["Lady's Mantle","Alchemilla vulgaris"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Alchemilla Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its unique kidney-shaped leaves and yellow-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 glabra

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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 to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; lightly prune after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun or bright indirect light); adjust for intense afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled light outdoors or near east-facing windows indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil quality); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Avoid hot afternoon sun; provide filtered light; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter; ensure pH balance.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler nights.

Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid extreme fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; 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 without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
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.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in winter; provide a layer of mulch for root insulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in temperatures above 80°F (27°C).

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Alchemilla glabra may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Alchemilla glabra can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to root damage.

Leaf spots on Alchemilla glabra may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Alchemilla glabra is often caused by excessive moisture, leading to decay and eventual plant death if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Alchemilla glabra is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is recommended to keep plants out of reach of cats to prevent any unnecessary ingestion or potential digestive issues.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Alchemilla glabra is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for their diet to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Alchemilla glabra, commonly known as lady's mantle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its astringent properties and is not known to cause significant toxicity.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption should be avoided, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it medicinally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Alchemilla glabra toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Lady's Mantle attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with Alchemilla glabra?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and leaf spots.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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