Alchemilla Species, Lady's Mantle

On Jun 11, 2013, BoPo from Milwaukee, WI (Zone 5b) wrote:

Planted this two summers ago in my zone 5 garden.
Wasn't so sure as it didn't seem to perform well in spite of my efforts, but fast forward to 2013 and now that I have a tree that is maturing and offering much more shade, my Lady's Mantle are absolutely stunning.

The chartreuse color, the form, the texture and the flowers (in bloom now in June) lend an attractive interplanting with my "Sagae" hosta - this is a BEAUTIFUL combination and the colors compliment eachother well. Large enough to hide the tall stems of Sagae, but small enough to fit underneath this hosta giant.

These did not perform well for me in sunnier conditions. Current conditions give her minimal late afternoon sun. Give her shade and she will reward you.

My soil i... read mores rich black compacted, somewhat clayish. Don't let her dry out, she'll brown and crisp on you.

Beautiful plant in optimal conditions. Well worth the effort.

On Nov 5, 2010, ms_greenjeans from Hopkins, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:

I planted these in a shade garden; wasn't sure how well I would like them -- but I really do. The foliage is especially lovely in the morning or after a rain. The flowers are more attractive than I expected and they last a long time. Similar to coral bells or hostas, these are very useful border or filler plants.

On May 16, 2010, cherrybelle4 from Minneapolis, MN wrote:

Have had this plant for years, on the east side of my home, both in sun and light shade. I love the texture of the leaf, and the flower makes a great filler in vases with peonies, which bloom at the same time. Only problem is the self-seeding, which I avoid by cutting the flowers as they fade. Many friends have wanted divisions of this plant as the leaf shape is so pretty and the beading of water after a rain is lovely.

On Jun 6, 2007, littlelulublue from Toronto,
Canada wrote:

I planted lady's mantle under a large maple tree in my front yard last year. It came back wonderfully, and looks absolutely beautiful...especially when it rains!

On Jun 6, 2006, sallyg from Anne Arundel,, MD (Zone 7b) wrote:

I really like the foliage, but I'm having trouble finding a spot it likes. My soil is a bit sandy and last summer it was in morning sun, but the afternoon shade didn't come early enough and it scorched and is still struggling to recover.

On Jul 8, 2005, daryl from vernon, BC (Zone 6a) wrote:

Got three small plants from a neighbor,planted in a new full shade garden ,don't think they like it there not doing to well ,I'll see next year not to sure of my feelings on this plant rather boring looking little thing.

On Jun 29, 2003, Magazinewriter from Bloomfield Hills, MI wrote:

I'm not sure what to do with this plant. On the plus side, it's healthy. On the minus side, the blooms do not stand out -- and they also don't stand UP -- they flop in every direction.
For next year, I'm moving them to a less-visible place where they can crowd out the clover!

On Dec 2, 2002, Weezingreens from Seward, AK (Zone 3b) wrote:

In my opinion, this plants greatest charm is the way water beads up on the leaves. When the sun hits them, they look like tiny crystals.

On Mar 10, 2001, Terry from Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) wrote:

Per Michigan State University Extension, Lady's Mantle should be planted with care as it can be invasive. The primary problem is profuse seed production that leads to many volunteer plants. This can be reduced by removing the flower stalks as the flowers fade. The flower color ranges from yellow to green. The blossoms can be used in either fresh or dried arrangements. The foliage is rather large and deeply lobed.

I've had it for 2+ years, and it has created some nice-sized offsets, but nothing thuggish so far (but my soil is heavy clay, which tends to put a damper on high-spirited plants.) Nice plant for the shade garden, I have some in my woodland area, and some in a more cultivated setting near the house and large pond.