Lady's mantle
Also known as
Soft lady's-mantle, Lion's foot, Our Lady's mantle
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Alchemilla mollis, commonly called lady’s mantle, is a hardy herbaceous perennial prized for its scalloped, softly pubescent, pleated leaves that cup sparkling dewdrops after rain. Forming neat, mounding clumps 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and wide, it produces airy sprays of chartreuse to lime-green flowers in late spring to early summer, offering a long-lasting, frothy accent in borders and bouquets. It thrives in average garden soils, tolerates clay, and appreciates consistent moisture with good drainage. Versatile as an edging plant, groundcover, or underplanting for roses and shrubs, it weaves beautifully among perennials and softens hard edges. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, and the foliage is generally unbothered by deer or rabbits. It self-seeds modestly, which can be welcome for naturalizing but may require deadheading to control spread. Low-maintenance and forgiving, A. mollis excels in partial shade yet can handle full sun in cooler climates when kept evenly moist.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Lady's mantle
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and flowering. Provide about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly from rain or irrigation, increasing slightly in hot, dry spells. Water at the base early in the day to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Ensure free drainage—soggy conditions cause crown rot. In containers, let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) dry before watering again and avoid saucer standing water. A 1–2 inch mulch helps stabilize moisture and temperature.
Light
Partial shade is ideal: morning sun with afternoon shade produces the best foliage and flower color. In cool-summer regions, it tolerates full sun if soil remains evenly moist. In warm or arid climates, avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves and shorten bloom. Deep shade is tolerated but yields looser growth and fewer flowers. Aim for 3–6 hours of direct sun or bright dappled light daily, with extra irrigation when exposure increases.
Nutrients
Alchemilla mollis is not a heavy feeder. Work in 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of compost or well-rotted manure each spring to replenish nutrients and improve moisture retention. In poor soils, apply a light dose of a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5 or 10-10-10) at label rates in early spring only. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes floppy growth. In containers, use a quality, compost-enriched mix and feed monthly at half-strength during active growth, pausing during midsummer heat and winter dormancy.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, lady’s mantle tolerates winter lows near −35°F (−37°C) and enters dormancy, resprouting in spring. It performs best in cool to mild summers (50–75°F / 10–24°C). In hot climates or heatwaves above 86°F (30°C), provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch and flopping. Mulch to buffer soil temperatures, and avoid reflected heat from south-facing walls. Container-grown plants may need extra winter protection to prevent root freeze-thaw damage.
