Alchemilla mollis (Alchemilla)

A low growing herbaceous perennial with light green velvety fan shaped leaves and tiny lime yellow flowers in late summer. The leaves catch droplets of water that shine like diamonds.

History

There are various theories as to where the  name 'Alchemilla' comes from, one is that it is the arabic word for 'little magical one' and refers to the fact that this plant was an important medicinal plant. It contains an astringent and was used to cure a multitude of things from birth pains to skin conditions.  This is also where it got its common name of 'Lady's Mantle'. In the Middle Ages, it was also thought that the water collected from alchemilla leaves was believed to have had magical properties. Another theory for the name is that the beads of water were considered by alchemists to be the purest form of water and they used this water in their quest to turn base metal into gold. Hence the name "Alchemilla".

The plant is infact a native of southern Europe, but is now grown quite widely in gardens throughout the world.

Planting

Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in a general fertiliser.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, and give the plant a good start.

Propagation

Seeds (plant March-May), Division (divide March-April)

Cultivation

Will grow well in any reasonably fertile, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate heavy clay conditions and is drought tolerant.

Aftercare

An easy to grow plant, needing little attention.  It should not need feeding if the soil is reasonable. Faded flower heads and foliage can be cut back in August to refresh the plants and produce a second flush of flowers.  Cutting back the flowering stems before they set seed will also control the spread of the plant. Larger more mature plants can be lifted and divided in spring or autumn.  All of the old foliage can be cut back at the end of the season.

Pests

Trouble free.

Diseases

Trouble free.

Other information

The Royal Horticultural Society has given this plant its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). A favourite with flower arrangers.

Height/Spread

A hardy, easy to grow herbaceous perennial that forms neat, low, spreading clumps.  It has light green, velvety fan-shaped leaves, with scalloped and serrated edges. From June to September it produces loose sprays of tiny lime-green flowers above the foliage. It will self seed very freely and so it is recommended that the seed heads are removed before setting.

Annual care

June

Cut back the flowering stems before they set seed will control the spread of the plant.

October

Cut back all of the old foliage at the end of the season.