Alchemilia (Rosaceae)
Lady’s mantle is a well known perennial. Great plant for shade, takes on a reddish tint in the sun. Sprays of yellow and chartreuse flowers through mid summer that can re-bloom in late summer if cut back. It is long lived and easy to grow. Famous for holding dew drops along the edges of the scalloped leaves. Named alchemilia because the old alchemists used this pure water for their preparations. Though typically planted in the shade, which it can tolerate, can handle some sun in our cool climate.
Lady’s mantle is a well known perennial. Great plant for shade, takes on a reddish tint in the sun. Sprays of yellow and chartreuse flowers through mid summer that can re-bloom in late summer if cut back. It is long lived and easy to grow. Famous for holding dew drops along the edges of the scalloped leaves. Named alchemilia because the old alchemists used this pure water for their preparations. Though typically planted in the shade, which it can tolerate, can handle some sun in our cool climate.
Lady’s mantle is a well known perennial. Great plant for shade, takes on a reddish tint in the sun. Sprays of yellow and chartreuse flowers through mid summer that can re-bloom in late summer if cut back. It is long lived and easy to grow. Famous for holding dew drops along the edges of the scalloped leaves. Named alchemilia because the old alchemists used this pure water for their preparations. Though typically planted in the shade, which it can tolerate, can handle some sun in our cool climate.
Selections
We have two species. The more common, larger species called A. Mollis. It can sometimes be a bit unruly, tending to flop after flowering. Cutting back mid-summer and planting in a sunnier location can help. We also have a wonderful dwarf species known as A. Erythropoda. It forms a nice compact mound, putting up sprays of flowers that can persist for months as they slowly turn an orange color.