Family

Rosaceae

Description

Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial valued for its soft, scalloped foliage and ability to catch dewdrops and rainwater like beads of mercury. Its frothy chartreuse blooms appear in early summer, hovering above the leaves in loose sprays and blending effortlessly with a wide range of perennials in cottage-style or naturalistic plantings. Though subtle in flower, its foliage provides reliable texture and contrast throughout the growing season.

 

Native to the mountainous regions of southeastern Europe, A. mollis prefers cool summers, moist but well-drained soil, and full sun to part shade. It self-seeds freely in favorable conditions, making it useful for informal edging or groundcover, but occasional thinning may be needed in cultivated beds. Long associated with herbal and folkloric traditions, it remains a quiet workhorse in both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Bloom Time

June to July

Range / Habitat

Eastern Europe