Lady’s mantle prefers part shade, but it can also be grown in full sun-provided that the soil doesn’t dry out in the heat of summer. It is happiest in soil that is rich in organic matter and holds moisture well but is also well drained. Lady’s mantle requires little maintenance; the only chore is to remove the spent blossoms after they finally cease to delight the eye. In the Southeast, this plant sometimes succumbs to high humidity, so it is best to place it in areas where it has the necessary part shade and excellent air movement to keep it happy.
In early summer, lady’s mantle covers itself with long-lasting chartreuse flowers, a unique shade in the plant world and one that complements almost every other garden hue. The starry blossoms make great cut flowers that remain attractive for 2 to 3 weeks. Its beautifully shaped large leaves are a pleasing light green and have the delightful habit of trapping jewel-like beads of water after rain or irrigation. The Latin name Alchemilla is derived from an association with ancient alchemists, who believed this plant had many medicinal properties.
ZONES: 3–9
BLOOM TIME: Summer
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 18–24 inches
INTEREST: Handsome light green foliage and abundant, long-lasting clusters of greenish yellow flowers that blend with just about every color
Lady’s mantle can be grown in woodland gardens, along a shady path, or as a foundation plant in front of evergreen bushes. Or try it in a mixed border, as a ground cover, or in a bed by itself. Lady’s mantle is a great neighbor for plants of almost any hue. Use it to complement flowers in cool colors such as blue, lavender, or white, or as a cool companion for hot yellow, orange, red, or purple hues. Cut flowers will never be missed from large plantings of lady’s mantle because it blooms profusely.