Also known as Lady's Mantle · 126 gardener saves
Alchemilla: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Alchemilla, the genus most gardeners know as lady's mantle. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Alchemilla varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedThriller Lady's Mantle
Alchemilla mollis 'Thriller'
#2 most savedLady's Mantle
Alchemilla mollis
#3 most savedLady's Mantle Gold Strike
Alchemilla sericata 'Gold Strike'
How to grow Alchemilla
What the Alchemilla varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Alchemilla year
- DivideMarch, August and September100% of varieties
Divide every 3-5 years to rejuvenate clumps
- Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties
Remove any tattered or brown leaves before new growth starts
- PruneJune67% of varieties
Cut back spent flower stalks and old foliage to tidy the mound
- DeadheadJune67% of varieties
Shear off spent flowers to prevent aggressive self-seeding
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune faded flowers to encourage bushier growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from neglecting to prune dead or damaged stems
What goes wrong with Alchemilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in foliage | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Alchemilla
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions at same depth in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Insert into moist, well-draining soil or propagation medium
- Keep humid and place in indirect light for 6 weeks
Alchemilla questions
How many types of Alchemilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Alchemilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 126 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Alchemilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Alchemilla covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Alchemilla bloom?
Most Alchemilla varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Alchemilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Alchemilla shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Alchemilla in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
