Alchemilla mollis

Alchemilla mollis (lady’s mantle) is a clump-forming perennial prized for its softly scalloped, velvety green leaves that catch raindrops, and for airy sprays of yellow‑green flowers in summer. Ideal for Ireland’s climate, it grows readily in sun or light shade and in most moist but well‑drained soils, making an easy, low-maintenance edging or front-of-border groundcover that knits planting together beautifully. Expect an eventual height and spread around 30–60cm; deadhead after flowering to limit self-seeding and shear back to encourage fresh foliage. A reliable filler for mixed borders and a good source of nectar for pollinators.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Sun or light shade

Rate of Growth: Fast

Soil: Moist but well-drained; tolerates clay, chalk or sandy soils

Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7)

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Plant at a Glance