By Barbara Fahs, Garden Guides Contributor
About Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla spp.) is a traditional perennial herb
enjoyed in flower gardens for its attractive yellowish-green
flowers, which are small and numerous. The soft-looking foliage has
a bluish cast. Named after the Virgin Mary's cloak because of its
scalloped leaves, Lady's Mantle is often found in northern European
gardens, where it is native. Some species can grow to a height of
about 24 inches and most species bloom from late spring until early
fall.
Site Preparation
Like many herbs, Lady's Mantle is easy to grow. It doesn't require
any special soil or nutrients and will do well in most shady garden
areas in average, well drained soil. It can naturalize easily when
it drops its many seeds, so keep it deadheaded if you do not want
multiple plants in odd places.
Special Features
The root is edible, as are the leaves, which sheep and cattle are
said to relish. The entire plant is normally harvested in midsummer
and can be used medicinally for bruises and wound healing. Lady's
Mantle tea is said to be helpful for excessive menstruation.
Choosing a Variety
Almost 300 species of Lady's Mantle exist. Alchemilla mollis is
common and many nurseries carry this variety. Check seed catalogs
for other species, such as A. ellenbeckii, A. alpina and A.
erythropoda. All species prefer dappled sun or shade and
well-draining soil.
Planting
If you live where the summers are fairly cool, Lady's Mantle can
tolerate some sun, but it prefers partial shade. After you dig a
hole large enough for your plant, add a little fertilizer or
compost at the bottom. If you have multiple plants, plant them
about 18 inches apart. They like an application of mulch, which
will keep them cool and moist. You can start Lady's Mantle from
root divisions or dig up the volunteer plants that will undoubtedly
pop up throughout your garden. If plants become messy looking or
too numerous, simply divide them or thin them out.
Care
Lady's Mantle grows best in areas with cool summers. If your
summers get hot, plant it in a shaded location. Be sure to keep it
well watered when it shows signs of drooping or when the weather
heats up as it doesn't like to dry out. A type of yellow fungus
sometimes attacks the plant, causing the leaf stalk to become
abnormally long. The leaf blade will also be smaller and a pale
color. Fungal diseases can usually be remedied by applying a light
spray of organic sulfur.
