Alchemilla Mollis

27.06.2023 - 08:52 / aberdeengardening.co.uk

Alchemilla Mollis also known as Lady’s Mantle.

Here we have a garden plant which at one time I felt completely indifferent towards. Alchemilla Mollis also known as Lady’s Mantle. Strangely enough its grown on me, (well not literally) and I now find is in fact a brilliant perennial with foamy clusters of tiny star like flowers with velvety soft olive-green leaves. The foliage catches and holds water drops while sparkling in the sun. The flower colour ranges from yellow to green and blooms in early summer.

This plant is at its very best in early to mid June, however the fresh look can be quickly regained by cutting hard back when the plant is looking tired,new leaves start to grow almost overnight.

A very useful plant which tends to seed itself around the garden freely, looks good grown with Roses or hardy Geraniums. So get over the idea that common is bad, yes its great to have these hard to find plants that add interest, but remember plants like Alchemilla gained their popularity for a very good reason.

Given the RHS prestigious award of garden merit, Alchemilla Mollis will not let you down.

Mail order this plant       

Hardiness – Fully hardy

Height – 60cm/24″

Position – Full sun/Full shade

Another Lady’s Mantle which is in fact almost identical to the above specimen is Alchemilla Mollis Auslese. Not quite so Tall, still robust but has an all round tidier habit.

Another variety is Alchemilla Erythrthropoda. A dwarf form which is just perfect in the rockery or at the very front of  the border