Lady's mantle - Alchemilla mollis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Lady's mantle

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a member of the rose family and is native to southern Europe. It is often cultivated as an ornamental garden plant and works well as ground cover or for bordering paths. In the spring it produces small greenish-yellow flowers that attract butterflies. Lady's mantle can readily seed itself and may become invasive in some environments.

Scientific classification

Species

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

30 cm to 45 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 mm

Flower Size

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Lady's mantle

Distribution of Lady's mantle

Distribution Map

Lady's mantle, a perennial plant, originates from parts of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It has been introduced and naturalized in various regions of Europe, extending its reach to temperate zones. While lady's mantle thrives in its native range, it is also widely cultivated, showing its adaptability to diverse European climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Moist meadows, open woods, pastures, rock ledges in mountainous areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Lady's mantle has scalloped and toothed hairy leaves, which provide texture to edging and borders. This easy to grow plant is fully hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a popular plant for gravel gardens or awkward areas in gardens.

Interesting Facts

Water beds are considered the most attractive feature of the lady's mantle, especially when it is grown as a groundcover. The beads are a consequence of the leaves' dewetting abilities, which condense the water into droplets.

Name Story

Lady's-mantle: The common name originates from the gentle, feminine impression of the plant due to the enveloped shape of its leaves. The water beads that form on the leaves of lady's mantle were considered to be the purest form of water by alchemists, and because of this, they have used it in their experiments of turning metal into gold. The name of the genus, Alchemilla, remained as a memory of those times.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Lady's mantle

Circular, palmately lobed leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide with soft downy texture.

Delicate, star-shaped chartreuse flowers clustered densely, each 0.12 inches (3 mm) in diameter.

Forms a dense herbaceous mound around 12 inches (30 cm) in height and width.

Blooms from late spring to early summer, creating a frothy, sea foam-like appearance.

Leaves hold water droplets, enhancing visual appeal and garden landscape aesthetics.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Lady's mantle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Lady's mantle thrives in cooler regions of Europe and Asia, preferring partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. It requires weekly watering for optimal growth. Its leaves capture dew, creating a sparkling display that enhances garden borders.

Fertilize: Lady's mantle benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers for growth and flowers, with high phosphorus application enhancing blooms. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, and reduce during dormancy. Apply fertilizers in the morning or evening, integrating with watering for effective nutrient uptake.

Pruning: Lady's mantle has fan-shaped leaves and a clumping growth habit. Prune in early to mid-spring, removing old leaves and spent blooms to encourage fresh growth and prolong flowering. Regular pruning prevents disease and supports vigorous growth, ideally during the plant's active growth cycle.

Propagation: Lady's mantle is a hardy perennial with scalloped leaves and starry flowers. Propagation through division is best done during dormancy. Split the root ball ensuring roots remain intact, replant at the original depth, and water thoroughly to promote establishment.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Lady's mantle

Distribution of Lady's mantle

Culture

Quickly Identify Lady's mantle

Care Guide for Lady's mantle

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases