Lady's Mantle

You recognize lady's mantle by its distinctive circular, scalloped edged leaves with 9 to 11 shallow rounded lobes that form a loose mound of soft, downy, pale green foliage 6 to 12 inches tall. This herbaceous perennial forms a basal mound that spreads gradually into dense cover. In late spring to early summer (June), tiny star shaped chartreuse flowers appear in loose, spreading clusters atop stems that rise 12 to 18 inches above the foliage. The leaves have a characteristic ability to retain water droplets, creating luminous jewelry like effects. Native to mountainous regions of eastern Europe, the cultivar 'Auslese' is documented in trade.

You'll grow Alchemilla mollis in full sun to part shade in moist, well drained soils with a pH between 4.5 and 8.5; it performs well in varied soil types as long as moisture is consistent. Hardy through zones 3a to 8b, this medium growing perennial has moderate maintenance needs and blooms in June. It freely self seeds in optimal conditions, becoming somewhat invasive in gardens with moist conditions; prompt removal of spent flower stems will prevent self seeding and may encourage sparse late summer rebloom. Deer and rabbits browse the foliage with minimal damage. Plants attract butterflies. Divide as needed in spring or fall, or propagate from seed started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost.