Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is a perennial that is widespread in this country and gives every garden fresh yellow-green accents. Many gardeners prefer the plant as a ground cover while benefiting from its robustness and easy care. Originally from Asia and Eastern Europe, the perennial became very popular in our latitudes as early as the Middle Ages, especially as a medicinal plant and as a so-called alchemist’s herb. Because the alchemists tried to make gold from the drops of water that collected on the plant leaves early in the morning. In the vernacular, lady’s mantle has been given many other names, such as wound root, sky water, thunderstorm grass, lady’s wort, etc. In the following lines, we’ll tell you a lot of important information and care tips about lady’s mantle.
The plant actually releases these drops of guttation itself
Where does lady’s mantle thrive best?
The plant, which belongs to the rose family, grows in the wild on high meadows or in sparse forests. There are more than 1000 species of it. However, the most well-known and planted are the soft and the small lady’s mantle as well as the so-called silver lady’s mantle. The latter two species are much smaller in stature, not exceeding 20 cm in height, while lady’s mantle can also reach 40 cm in height. The perennial prefers sunny and semi-shady spots in the garden, but can even hold its own in the shade. The optimal soil should be rich in nutrients and permeable. The robust plant copes with loamy soil just as well. Although the perennial loves moderate moisture, some species can even thrive in drier soils such as rock gardens.
Lady’s mantle has round leaves with serrated margins and dainty yellow-green flowers
This is how you properly care for your lady’s mantle
The optimal time for planting is from October, because the perennial is a frost germ. In the case of the lady’s mantle, however, this is not seen so strictly either. You can also sow this in spring. Of course, this also works with cuttings. The flowers usually come from May to September and become small seed fruits after they wither. The perennial perennial even tends to self-seed, which can be controlled by regularly plucking it out in spring and pruning it properly. The lady’s mantle can be easily propagated by division and used as a ground cover against weeds. You also do not need to secure winter protection for the plant, because it is absolutely hardy.
A super plus point: lady’s mantle is bee-friendly and also attracts other useful insects
Lady’s mantle effect – why the plant is so healthy?
The common lady’s mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora) is meant as a medicinal plant. This contains a lot of tannins such as agrimonin as well as important flavonoids. These ingredients are known to have antispasmodic, analgesic and antibacterial effects. In naturopathy, the plant is therefore used for mild diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal germs as well as for menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms and itching. In addition, a tea made from lady’s mantle leaves has a calming effect and is therefore very positive for the heart and nervous system.
The tea is easy to prepare by picking fresh leaves before they bloom and steeping them in hot water for 10 minutes.
Caution! If you suffer from a certain intolerance or are pregnant, you should definitely seek advice from your doctor beforehand.
A remarkable hardy perennial and medicinal plant
No less popular is the lady’s mantle for its decorative properties. This can be combined with many other perennials and plants in the garden and also cuts a fine figure in bridal bouquets or as a festive and discreet table decoration. Let yourself be convinced and inspired!
A summer dream in the garden
A fairytale contrast with peonies
Also very minimalistic – a real eye-catcher
The plant is ideal as a subtle table decoration
Also very popular for wedding decoration
Even in the tub … unbeatably fresh and beautiful!
And how about a lady’s mantle wreath?
Combine the wonderful perennial plant with numerous flowers and ornamental grasses!
Roses, lavender and co. are some of the best combination partners
