Alchemilla Mollis

Widely known as Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla Mollis an easy care plant and is by far the best known and widely used of these great foliage plants. The pretty light 'lime green' flowers held above darker green foliage make this a great border plant. One of the fascinating aspects is the way that water droplets are held on the foliage in the mornings, glistening in the sun like shining beads.

Care and growing conditions

Native to Southern Europe prefer sun or part shade and is often planted between roses. When flowering is over (August September) Alchemilla Mollis can be deadheaded or cut back to help promote a second flush of great yellow flowers and new foliage growth. Removal of seed heads will prevent self seeding. Plants are easily propagated by division.

Reaching a height of .5m and forming a nice mound or spreading around .8m Alchemilla mollis ( Lady's mantle ) is an excellent plant for growing beneath roses and in shaded areas. Then soft green of the carpet of foliage makes a nice contrast to the bright flowers above.

Propagation is by division or you could easily grow plants from seeds collected at the end of summer. In fact the plant will happily self seed if allowed to, however we have not found it to be a problem.

Species and varieties

• Alchemilla monticola is referred to as 'Hairy Lady's Mantle' .
• Alchemilla glaucescens as 'Waxy lady's mantle' .
  Both readily available for sale from online and mail order nurseries in the UK.
  
  Also lots of 'named' cultivars and 'improved' forms are available. However Alchemilla Mollis in its old fashioned form suits us just fine.

You may also be interested in

• Drought tolerant plants
• Salvia
• Cottage garden plants

Alchemilla Mollis Plants or 'Lady's Mantle' are available for sale online and by mail order from the following participating nurseries.

TOUCHWOOD PLANTS - Carrie Thomas tel 01792 522443
Postal Address 4 Clyne Valley Cottages, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DU

CLAIRE AUSTIN HARDY PLANTS Hardy Plants
Edgebolton, Shawbury, Shropshire, SY4 4EL - Tel: 01939 251173

BLUEBELL ARBORETUM and NURSERY
Annwell Lane Smisby nr. Ashby de la Zouch Derbyshire LE65 2TA
Owner: Robert and Suzy Vernon. - Office telephone: *(01530) 413700.