Alchemilla mollis aka Garden Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla mollis, or lady's mantle, belongs to the rose family. This perennial comes from Romania east to the Caucasus. Its native range includes mountain areas of the Carpathians and Turkey. It grows in moist meadows, open woods, and pastures. It also grows on rock ledges in mountain areas. Its leaves die back for winter, then return in spring.

The plant forms a low, dense clump of pale green leaves. The leaf mound reaches about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.30 metres] high. Flower stems raise its height to 1–1.5 feet [0.30–0.46 metres]. RHS gives an upper height of about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Reported garden spreads range from 1–2.5 feet [0.30–0.76 metres]. Round leaves grow on long stalks from the plant's base. Each has nine to eleven shallow lobes and toothed edges. Soft hairs cover the leaves, which show clear folds. Rain leaves beads of water on their surface.

Small yellow-green flowers form loose clusters above the leaves. The green stems carry many tiny, star-shaped blooms. Flowering falls in late spring and early summer, often June. Small, plain fruits called achenes follow the flowers. The blooms attract butterflies and suit fresh or dried arrangements. Gardeners use the low clumps along paths and border fronts. Massed plants make ground cover beneath open shrubs and trees. The pale leaves also pair well with roses and dark-leaved shrubs.

Lady's mantle grows in sun, part shade, or full shade. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and chalk with good drainage. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Keep the soil moist rather than letting it dry out. Afternoon shade helps protect leaves in hot summer climates. Strong sun and dry soil can scorch the foliage. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–8 and RHS rating H7. Plants grow at a moderate rate and need little routine care.

Few serious pests or diseases trouble this plant. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. It can spread too freely through seed in good conditions. Remove spent flower stems to limit seedlings. This may also bring a small second flush of blooms. Cutting back untidy late-season growth encourages fresh leaves. Divide clumps in spring or autumn to make new plants. Plants For A Future lists no known food or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety.