I have several free Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle) perennial plants to offer (from a division of a large clump in my garden).
They are extremely hardy, robust, slug resistant, drought tollerant front of the border perrennial that like sunny positions but will perform reasonably in semi shade, do well in our clay soil and have arching/spreading habit (height up to 30/40cm, spread up to 60/70cm when mature). The lime green flowers last from late spring well into the summer (just finishing now). The plants respond well to being cut down to encourage neat growth for autumn, tolerate pruning to keep down the size and will cope with children and pets in the garden. Suitable for planting by the path. One of my all time favourites. Particularly delightful in the morning or after rain when water droplets sit on the leaves. See picture 2.
Let me know if and how many you would like (offer maximum of three). Can deliver locally.
Indijana Harper
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I would be very interested in learning how to prune these plants. I have some in my garden but not sure how to prune them. Ado.
Thanks for the advice.
I prune them down after the flowers have finished. I first snip off leaves at the bottom of the plant reaching deep underneath it (with shears, not with secateurs). That is where the scruffiest leaves are. Once they are cleared and some air has been allowed in, I cut off all the spent florets. Next I cut big leaves, scruffy leaves and any leaves sticking out. I usually still do this with shears. I may then selectively thin perfectly good leaves with secateurs to allow more air to the new leaves. The plant starts getting congested around this time of the year and looks tired and scruffy and pruning refreshes it. I will continue pruning and thinning out until I get the size, the shape and the look I want. As long as some leaves are left on the plant, it will bounce back with renewed vigour.
I have in the past cut down the whole crown down in mid summer when it got in the way of other plants. I regularly hack down any leaves that sit on the path as they can get slippery.
Also, it is important to divide the clumps every three to four years. New plants are more compact.
Alchemillas can get an unkempt look if left to their own resources. Judicious pruning keeps them fresh. I do this with most of the perennials, particularly geraniums and sedums/hylothelepiums (Chelsea chop).
Hope this is helpful. Give it a go and you'll never look back.
Thanks for the advice!
Thanks Indijana. Now planted in mine & my daughter's gardens.
Oh, I am so glad. Hope they both do well.
Yes, of course Annabel. Would you like it delivered?
No, no! I'll come and fetch it. Let me know when it's outside your door. Thanks!
Hi Indijana, I'd like a plant, if you still have one. Thanks.
Could I have 2 please? Happy to collect.
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