Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and western Asia. It’s a popular choice for gardens due to its attractive foliage and easy-going nature.
Alchemilla mollis seeds
Here’s the super easy way to grow Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) from seeds:
Sow them outside!
- Timing: Wait until fall, after the last frost.
- Location: Pick a spot with some shade, especially in hot areas.
- Planting: Sprinkle seeds on the soil, press them in lightly, and water. No need to bury them deep.
Alchemilla mollis varieties
Alchemilla mollis ‘Auslese’: This European selection is known for its more upright, lime-green flowers. It also grows larger than the standard Lady’s Mantle, reaching up to 15-18 inches tall.
Alchemilla mollis ‘Irish Silk’: This variety lives up to its name with particularly lush, silky foliage. It’s also quite floriferous, producing an abundance of greenish-yellow flowers and growing to about 2 feet tall.
Alchemilla mollis ‘Robusta’: As the name suggests, ‘Robusta’ is a more robust variety with larger leaves than the species. It also has an upright growth habit and reaches a height and spread of around 2 feet.
Alchemilla mollis ‘Thriller’: This is a slightly more compact variety of Lady’s Mantle, typically growing to about 12-18 inches tall. The flowers of ‘Thriller’ tend to be a greener shade compared to the yellow tones of other varieties.
Alchemilla mollis flowers
Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a herbaceous perennial plant with soft, hairy light green leaves and scalloped, toothed edges. It typically grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. The plant produces airy sprays of small, bright yellow, or chartreuse flowers in early to midsummer, which are individually inconspicuous and star-shaped without petals. It’s known for its ornamental value in gardens and its use in lotions and soaps.
what color are Alchemilla mollis flowers
The flowers of Alchemilla mollis, also known as Lady’s Mantle, are typically small and star-shaped with a greenish-yellow color. They bloom in late spring and early summer.
Alchemilla mollis problems
Alchemilla mollis, aka Lady’s Mantle, is a generally low-maintenance plant. But here are two common issues you might encounter:
- Spreading: A Lady’s Mantle can spread vigorously by underground roots and seeds. This can be unwanted if not controlled. Deadhead the flowers before they go to seed and consider planting it in a contained area.
- Scorching: In very hot climates with full sun, the leaves might scorch at the edges. If this happens, try providing some afternoon shade or water more frequently.
Caring for an Alchemilla mollis
Here’s what you need to know to care for your Alchemilla mollis:
Light and Location:
- Lady’s Mantle thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade.
- Avoid very dry or waterlogged areas.
Watering:
- Once established, Alchemilla mollis is quite drought tolerant.
- Regular watering is only necessary during prolonged periods of hot weather or if planted in full sun.
- Aim to keep the soil wet but not saturated.
- Mulching around the base of the plant (but not touching the stem) helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Soil:
- Lady’s Mantle adapts well to most soil types, but prefers well-draining soil.
- If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with some compost or sand to improve drainage.
Fertilizing:
- Generally, Alchemilla mollis doesn’t require any special feeding.
- A light application of compost in the spring is sufficient for most situations.
Pruning:
- To encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance, you can shear the old leaves in early spring before new growth appears.
- Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming period will also promote continued flowering.
Pests and Diseases:
- Alchemilla mollis is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
- However, they can be susceptible to slug and snail damage, particularly in moist conditions. You can use organic slug and snail control methods to deter these pests.
Winter Care:
- Lady’s Mantle is a perennial and will die back in the winter.
- The foliage will turn brown, and you can cut it back at this point.
- The plant will then regrow fresh new leaves in the spring.
Alchemilla mollis other languages
French: Alchémille molle
German: Weicher Frauenmantel
Spanish: Alquemila, Manto de dama
Italian: Alchemilla mollis, Mantello della dama
Dutch: Zachte vrouwenmantel
Swedish: Daggkåpa
Finnish: Peurankello
Polish: Przywrotnik miękki
Czech: Kontryhel měkký
Russian: Манжетка мягкая (Manzhetka myagkaya)
Japanese: レディスマントル (Redīsumantoru)
Chinese (Simplified): 柔毛露珠草 (Róu máo lù zhū cǎo)
Telugu: అల్కెమిల్లా మొల్లిస్ (Alkemillā mollis)
Kannada: ಅಲ್ಕೆಮಿಲ್ಲಾ ಮೊಲ್ಲಿಸ್ (Alkemillā mollis)
Hindi: अल्केमिला मोलिस (Alkemila Molis)
Tamil: அல்கெமில்லா மொல்லிஸ் (Alkemillā mollis)
