Alchemilla mollis aka Garden Lady's Mantle

Taxonomy

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as garden lady's-mantle or lady's-mantle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. Native to Southern Europe, this herbaceous perennial is widely grown as an ornamental garden plant around the world. It forms clumps of soft green, rounded leaves with scalloped edges, giving it a distinctive appearance. The leaves are palmately veined and have a hairy texture. In wet weather, water beads on the leaves, which were considered by alchemists to be the purest form of water. The plant produces dense clusters of chartreuse yellow flowers above the foliage from summer into autumn. Lady's mantle has gained recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society with the Award of Garden Merit. Lady's mantle has a rich history, with conflicting accounts about its medicinal use. While some sources claim it has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy, others argue that it has been mistakenly confused with other species known for their medicinal properties. Lady's mantle is often grown as groundcover and is appreciated for its attractive leaves. However, it can self-seed and become invasive, as seen in the Faroe Islands where efforts have been made to uproot the plant. Legend has it that the plant's name, Alchemilla, comes from the alchemists who believed that the water droplets on its leaves were the purest form of water and used it in their quest to transform metals into gold. Overall, lady's mantle is a captivating plant that combines beauty, folklore, and a touch of mystery.

Common names

Garden Lady's Mantle, Lady's Mantle

How to care for Garden Lady's Mantle

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Garden Lady's Mantle due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Garden Lady's Mantle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garden Lady's Mantle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Garden Lady's Mantle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Garden Lady's Mantle.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Garden Lady's Mantle is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia