Lady's Mantle

alchemilla subcrenata

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

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Alchemilla Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with scalloped leaves and small yellow flowers, often used in gardens for its attractive foliage and traditional medicinal properties.

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 subcrenata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, or container with protection from intense afternoon sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
  • 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); protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

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; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cooler nights but avoids frost.

Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize in spring/summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Division or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings or divide clumps.
  2. Prepare medium.
  3. Apply rooting hormone if used.
  4. Plant and water.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom.

Environment

Warm, humid, and partially shaded conditions.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but can help with root initiation.

Timeline

4–6 weeks for roots to develop; 3–4 months to establish a new plant.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, potting mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent plants; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

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 leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Check for dead/damaged growth; sterilize tools; prune selectively; clean up debris.

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 crowded; replace with fresh soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.

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; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in freezing temperatures.

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

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Alchemilla subcrenata can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Alchemilla subcrenata is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Alchemilla subcrenata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread of infection to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Alchemilla subcrenata is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Alchemilla subcrenata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may come into contact with or ingest Alchemilla subcrenata.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Alchemilla subcrenata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest Alchemilla subcrenata.
Humans
Non-toxic

Alchemilla subcrenata is not known to exhibit toxic properties when ingested by humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in culinary or medicinal contexts.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human consumption of Alchemilla subcrenata.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Alchemilla subcrenata toxic to pets?

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

Q: What are the common uses of Lady's Mantle?

A: It is used in gardens for ornamental purposes and has traditional medicinal applications.

Q: How should Alchemilla subcrenata be cared for?

A: It prefers partial shade, well-drained soil, and moderate watering.

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)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Large-leaved avens
View
Plum-leaved Cherry
View
Bird Cherry
View
White Meadowsweet
View