Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil stays consistently moist.

How do I keep it tidy?

Cut back the foliage after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves.

Plant guide

Lady's Mantle.

Alchemilla mollis

Pronounced al-kem-ILL-uh MOLL-iss

Also known as Garden Lady's-mantle, Lady's Mantle, Lady's-Mantle

Lady's Mantle is a charming, clump forming perennial prized for its scalloped, light green leaves. It produces airy sprays of tiny, chartreuse flowers that look beautiful in cottage gardens. This plant is a wonderful choice for softening the edges of borders or paths.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 45cm tall by 60cm wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. Watch for browning leaf edges which often indicate the plant is too dry or getting too much sun. Deadhead the spent flower stalks to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent unwanted self seeding.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced granular fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Cut back foliage after flowering or if it looks ragged in late summer.
Repotting: Divide the clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Soil: Moist, well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -25 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Growth slowing down significantly during the growing season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the fine hairs on the leaves.
Children: The plant is not considered a specific risk to children, but the leaves can be slightly abrasive to sensitive skin.
Contact allergens: The fine hairs on the leaves and stems can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: It is not considered a significant source of airborne allergens.
Edibility: While historically used in herbal teas, it is best to avoid consumption due to potential liver toxicity from tannins and coumarins.

How to identify it

Scalloped, fan shaped leaves
Soft, hairy leaf texture
Tiny, star shaped chartreuse flowers
Forms low, mounding clumps
Leaves often trap water droplets

Height: 0.3 to 0.45m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: light green, deciduous
Flowers: chartreuse, yellow green, 0.5 to 1cm

Common problems

Leaf spot — Fungal spots appear on foliage during periods of high humidity.
Powdery mildew — A white fungal coating develops on leaves in poor air circulation.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut the foliage back to the ground in late autumn or early spring. It is very cold hardy and requires no special protection.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 12 inches wide, provided the soil is kept consistently moist.

Division

1. Dig up a mature clump in early spring or autumn.
2. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Ensure each section has healthy roots and foliage.
4. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant.
5. Water thoroughly until established.

Pair this plant with other moisture loving perennials to ensure the soil stays cool and damp throughout the summer.

Grows well with

Blue Delphinium — The tall spikes of blue flowers contrast beautifully with the soft, scalloped foliage of the Lady's Mantle.
Hosta — Both plants enjoy similar light and moisture levels, making them perfect partners for a shady border.
Geranium — The long blooming period of this geranium complements the chartreuse flowers of the Alchemilla.

Keep away from

Sun loving sedum — Sedums require much drier conditions than the moisture loving Lady's Mantle.

Similar species

Alpine Lady's Mantle — It is a smaller, more compact relative that is better suited for rock gardens.

Science

Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Alchemilla
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Native to the mountains of Southern and Eastern Europe.
Conservation: This plant is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in cool, moist mountain meadows where it forms dense mats that suppress weeds.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, ground cover habitat
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: ground cover, border plant, cut flower foliage

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil stays consistently moist.
How do I keep it tidy?: Cut back the foliage after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of leaves.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Alchemilla comes from the Arabic word al-kemelyeh, referring to the plant's supposed magical properties in alchemy. The species name mollis means soft, describing the texture of the leaves.

Good to know

The leaves are famous for trapping water droplets that sparkle like diamonds in the morning sun.
This plant is a classic choice for cottage gardens.
It is incredibly hardy and can thrive in various soil types.

Is your lady's mantle looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.