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Alchemilla Vulgaris - Lady's Mantle



Characteristics: Has fuzzy, round, scalloped leaves displayed in a low mound about 12 inches tall. It puts out generous sprays of yellow flowers, prolifically in late spring and occasionally through the summer.

Growing Information: Plant in moist soil and sun in cool climates or light shade in warm climates. Space plants 18 inches apart. Deadhead after blooming to keep a neat appearance. Irrigate and mulch in dry weather. Fertilize in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Propagation: Lady's mantle is easy to start from divisions in spring or fall as long as you keep the soil moist. It will also grow from seed, but it takes two years to get large enough to flower.

Possible Problems: Keep garden soil from drying out to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Harvesting and Using: Lady's mantle makes a nice edging or middle-of-the-border plant. You can also dry the flowers for potpourri, dried flower arrangements, and wreaths.

Related Herbs: Alpine lady's mantle (A. alpina) is a creeping ground cover that grows to 8 inches high.

A. glaucescens is also low growing but has silver-edged leaves.

Lady's Mantle