Lady's mantle (Alchemilla plicata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Lady's mantle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
About Lady's mantle
Alchemilla plicata, also known as "buttmarikåpe" in Norwegian, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Rosaceae family, valued for its attractive foliage. It features lobed, bluish-green leaves that beautifully hold dew or rainwater like tiny pearls, creating a charming visual effect. It is ideal for path edges, rock gardens, or as ground cover in semi-shaded areas.
Native range
Central and Northern Europe
Care tips
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best with some protection from intense afternoon sun. It requires well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil, and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can reduce flowering and promote excessive foliage growth. A common mistake is planting it in heavy, poorly draining soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Lady's mantle
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted, flaccid leaves, despite moist soil. Stunted growth.
- First aid
- Repot into a well-draining pot with light substrate. Ensure partial shade and moderate watering.
- What kills it
- Excessive direct sun and heavy soil that retains too much moisture, leading to root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Act quickly to prevent total collapse.