Genus: Alchemilla

Common Names: lady's mantle

A genus of around 700 species of which several are commonly cultivated. A. mollis has received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental value in the garden and several species have been used for centuries in traditional medicines.

Distribution: generally cool, temperate or subarctic regions of Europe and Asia and mountain ranges in Africa and the Americas

Alchemilla alpina

Common name(s): alpine lady's mantle

Description: perennial; low and spreading with deeply lobed foliage and small clusters of lime green flowers in summer. 

Height: to 4 in. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, ornamental- in rock gardens, as a small-sacle groundcover

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, NE Canada (Newfoundland)

Alchemilla ellenbeckii

Common name(s): carpet lady's mantle

Description: perennial; low and spreading with mahogany red stems and small, lobed foliage. Small yellow flowers in summer. Well-adapted to creep between flagstones or stepping stones. Surprisingly cold hardy considering its origins.

Height: to 4 in. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental-as a low-maintenance groundcover

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: East and East Central Africa 

Alchemilla mollis

Common name(s): lady's mantle

Description: perennial; forms a low mound of attractive scallop-edged leaves that are adapted to retain small beads of water.  Chartreuse-yellow flowers in early summer. Historically popular as a groundcover in cottage gardens.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 30 in.

Position: partial to full shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, to dye wool green, ornamental-as a groundcover

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: Eastern Europe