Rosaceae
Lady's mantle: Ground Cover Plant
Alchemilla mollis
Keep the soil consistently lightly moist and plant in a spot with full sun or partial shade. Cut the plant back after the first bloom to encourage fresh secondary growth.
Every 4 days
Partial shade
-25° - 30°C
40% - 90%
Categories
What is Lady's mantle?
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a easy-care plant from the Rosaceae family. Alchemilla mollis, better known as Lady's mantle, is a beloved perennial with soft, grey-green leaves that magically hold water droplets. In early summer, the plant produces an abundance of tiny, chartreuse flowers that float like an airy cloud above the foliage. It is an excellent groundcover that...
Lady's mantle grows up to 50cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 4 days, -25°C â 30°C, 40â90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Lady's mantle tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Lady's mantle is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Lady's mantle?
TLDR: Lady's mantle needs Partial shade, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between -25-30°C with 40-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Lady's mantle?
Water at the base of the plant to prevent the leaves from staying wet for too long, although the plant tolerates rain well.
How Much Light Does Lady's mantle Need?
Grows best in partial shade; in full sun, the plant requires more water to prevent leaf scorch.
What Is the Best Soil for Lady's mantle?
Prefers humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Lady's mantle?
Grows best in the ground, but can thrive in large pots with good drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
What Is Lady's mantle and Where Does It Come From?
Alchemilla mollis, better known as Lady's mantle, is a beloved perennial with soft, grey-green leaves that magically hold water droplets. In early summer, the plant produces an abundance of tiny, chartreuse flowers that float like an airy cloud above the foliage. It is an excellent groundcover that is very hardy and requires little maintenance.
How to Propagate Lady's mantle?
Division
- This is also the best way to rejuvenate a plant that has grown too large.
- 1 Dig up the plant
Carefully dig the entire root ball out of the ground in early spring.
- 2 Divide the root ball
Cut or pull the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each part has healthy roots and growth points.
- 3 Replanting
Replant the sections immediately in the desired location and water thoroughly.
Materials needed:
Sowing
- The plant often self-seeds easily in the garden.
- 1 Collect seeds
Collect the seeds after the flowers have finished blooming and turn brown.
- 2 Cold stratification
The seeds require a cold period to germinate; therefore, sow them outdoors in the fall.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Lady's mantle Grow?
TLDR: Lady's mantle can reach up to 50cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
50cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Relief of menstrual cramps
- Wound healing
- Anti-inflammatory for throat complaints
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves are sometimes used raw in salads
- Dried leaves for herbal tea
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
The name refers to alchemists who collected the dew droplets from the leaves in their quest for the Philosopher's Stone.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
