Dew-Catching Foliage and Frothy Chartreuse Flowers

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a cottage-garden classic loved for its soft, scalloped, velvety leaves that famously cup sparkling beads of dew and rain, and for the airy sprays of frothy chartreuse-yellow flowers that float above the foliage in early summer. It forms a tidy mound that edges paths and softens borders beautifully, thriving in sun to part shade. Deer-resistant and easy, it's a charming, low-care choice for Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan gardens.

Landscape Uses

Use Lady's Mantle as edging along paths, at the front of borders, in cottage and woodland gardens, and as a soft groundcover. Its chartreuse flowers are wonderful fresh or dried, and it pairs beautifully with roses, hostas, and blue-flowered perennials.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help roots establish.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep.

Watering

First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells; it prefers soil that stays evenly moist, especially in sun.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps the root zone evenly moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the leaves hold water droplets?
The soft, hairy leaves are water-repellent, so dew and rain bead up beautifully on the surface.

Will it grow in shade?
Yes, it does well in part shade and tolerates full sun where soil stays moist.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 perennial, fully hardy statewide.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to leave Lady's Mantle alone.

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Pair Lady's Mantle with roses, hostas, and blue or purple perennials for a soft, classic cottage-garden edge.