Lady's Mantle Herb Gathers Dew Drops
Gentle Foliage Perennial has Chartreuse Flower Clusters
Jun 23, 2009
Of the many Lady’s Mantle species, Alchemilla mollis is the one found most often at garden centers. An herbaceous perennial within the rose family (Rosaceae), Lady’s Mantle is native to northern Europe and widely distributed in Eurasia.
Description of Common Lady’s Mantle
Some species can grow to a height of twenty-four inches. The entire plant is covered with very fine hairs that allow rain or dew drops to gather on the leaves. The soft green, pleated and scalloped leaves have toothed edges and a slight bluish hue. Basically round in shape, the leaves of Lady's Mantle can be up to four inches wide at the base of the plant.
Most bloom from late spring until late summer. Clusters of tiny yellowish-green flowers are set off from the leaves on the tips of stems. At the time of full bloom, the plant appears to have a frothy chartreuse cloud over it.
Where to Grow Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle does not require special soil or nutrients. It grows well in average, well-drained soil in partly shady or dappled-sun garden areas. A mulch application is helpful for retention of moisture.
The plant can tolerate some sun, but will droop without adequate moisture during extended hot, dry periods. For multiple planting, there should be fifteen-inch spacing. Lady’s Mantle is very effective as part of a mixed garden. It is hardy in zones three to eight.
Propagation and Landscape Habit
The Lady’s Mantle can be divided in spring or fall. Seeds will germinate quickly in the garden, but may not produce flowers until the second year of growth. When the flowers dry at the end of the blossoming period, the plant will naturalize easily with the dropped seeds. To prevent the invasiveness, cut the flower stalks as the blossoms fade.
If the flower clusters flop over, as they tend to do after heavy rainfall, gently shake and lift them up. If that doesn’t work, cut the stems off. Lady’s Mantle recovers well and often presents second, though sparse, blooming.
Origin of Name Alchemilla
The name alchemilla derived from the dew on the foliage. Dew was formerly thought to have magical properties. Ancients considered the droplets as celestial water to be used in alchemy. For centuries, the herb has been used medicinally and as green dye for wool. The common name, Lady’s Mantle, refers to the leaves that look like a cloak worn by a lady in medieval times.
The flowers, fresh or air-dried, are wonderful additions to bouquets or other floral arrangements. There is a recipe for Lady's Mantle hand moisturizer here.
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