What Is Lady's Mantle?
Lady's mantle is a densely growing perennial herb that grows easily and is a main stay in an old fashion garden. It is grown for its beautiful foliage and clusters of chartreuse flowers. Lady's mantel is part of the rose family and was used medicinally, and as landscape borders and ground cover. Does this Spark an idea?
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Name
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The scientific name for lady's mantle is Alchemilla, giving it distinction as a medicinal plant used by alchemists to make medication. It was thought that the morning dew that beaded up on the leaves, called celestial water, could provide eternal youth or turn metal into gold if the secret was ever discovered. The leaves resemble the shape of a woman's cloak and thus are named after the mantle or cloak of a lady and often linked to the cloak of the Virgin Mary.
Description
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Foliage is 6 to 10 inches high with flowers that rise on stems above. Leaves are greenish gray with three lobes and serrated edges covered with a downy hair. The plant forms a dense mound. Flowers are only 1/4 inch wide and present in lacy clusters of yellow-green. The plant flowers late spring to mid-summer.
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Requirements
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Lady's mantle requires moist conditions and fertile soil to grow well, but it tolerates any type of soil. It does require extra water during dry periods and grows in partial shade to full sun, but may be scorched in very hot weather. If leaves wither and do not revive after watering, just cut back and more will grow.
Growing
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Lady's mantle grows from seed and will bloom after two years time. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in potting medium and set in a sunny area at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate in three or four weeks. Divisions of plants, taken in spring or fall, easily grow and bloom quickly. Lady's mantle has few pests and can become invasive. Lady's mantle grows well in outdoor containers as well as in the ground. In humid conditions, water left on leaves can cause fungal disease. Once flowering is finished, prune flower stems to prevent them from lopping over or self-seeding. Prune browned foliage in spring to the crown of the plant before new growth emerges.
History
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Lady's mantel is native to Europe, Asia and North America. Physicians used it to stop bleeding, settle stomachs, stop vomiting, control hysteria and lighten freckles. Sprigs were placed under pillows to induce sleep. Leaves were seldom used in the kitchen except to throw a few in a salad or create a boiled pudding called Easter mangiant.
Uses
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The plant is perfect for garden borders because of is low-growing habit and dense quality. Edge a path or plant along a wall or in rock gardens. The dense nature makes it a candidate for ground cover. Dry flowers by cutting, bunching and hanging to use in floral arrangements and potpourri. A dye to make wool green is made from the leaves.
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References
- University of Vermont Extension; Lady's Mantle; Dr. Leonard Perry
- The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program; Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla mollis; Susan Mahr; June 18, 2010
- Chicago Botanical Garden; An Evaluation Study of Alchemilla; Richard E. Hawke; Issue 24, 2004
- "The Herb Companion" Magazine; Herb To Know: Lady's Mantle; December/January 2003
