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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Chartreuse to yellow-green
Foliage color: Soft, velvety green with scalloped edges
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; cut back after flowering to promote fresh growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

Perennials

Alchemilla mollis

Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as lady's mantle, is a lovely perennial admired for its soft, velvety, scalloped leaves and delicate, chartreuse flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it produces frothy clusters of tiny, star-shaped, yellow-green flowers that float above the foliage. The leaves are especially notable for their ability to catch and hold dewdrops, which adds a shimmering effect in the morning light.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Hellebores

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.