Lady's mantle - Alchemilla mollis - €4 per plant 

Lady's mantle is a herbaceous perennial forming a clump of softly hairy, distinctive light green leaves with scalloped edges. Small, bright yellow flowers appear in early summer in large spray like arrangements just above the foliage.  It is a perfect plant for flower beds or borders, or growing well in partial shade the plant is a good ground cover option for under tree planting.  The leaves can be used to make tea and the plant has a long tradition of medicinal use. Will tolerate any soil so long as there is some moisture .  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe
  • native habitat: Moist meadows, open woods, pastures and also on rock ledges in mountainous areas
  • family: Rosaceae

Predators

  • Generally pest and disease free

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: semi shade - full sun
  • soil pH:  neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a - 8b
  • Prefers moist soils 

Known hazards 

  • none known

Overview

  • 10 x 12 plant bag  
  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.3m by 0.3m 
  • It is in flower from June to September and the seeds ripen from Aug to October.  The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are apomictic.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun. 
  • ​Prefers a well-drained neutral or basic soil

Characteristics

  • form: herb 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit:  Ground cover
  • height x width (m): 0.3 x 0.3 

Products 

  • Leaf: Leaves are said to be used commercially in the blending of tea.​ 
  • Medicinal: Mainly used as an external treatment for cuts and wounds. Taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and a number of women's ailments, especially menstrual problems or disorders.
  • Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

Functions, behaviours


  • Easily grown in ordinary soil in full sun or part shade
  • Succeeds in dry shady conditions
  • Prone to self-seeding
  • Used for centuries as a herbal remedy. 
  • ​Leaves in wet weather form water beads making distinctive sparkles on the leaves. 
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project