The Story
Plant Bio
Alchemilla erythropoda, the dwarf lady's mantle, is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial that forms neat, dense mounds of blue-green foliage. In late spring and early summer, the plant produces airy, star-shaped clusters of chartreuse-yellow flowers held just above the leaves.
This species is distinguished by its small stature and distinctive reddish-tinged leaf stems that develop prominent red tints in the fall. The lobed, gray-green leaves feature a finely textured surface that catches and holds sparkling beads of morning dew.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8"
Width
18"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Mid-summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil enriched with organic matter.
- Position the plant in full sun to partial shade, ensuring afternoon shade in hot-summer regions.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow the mounding foliage to fill in without crowding.
- Water regularly after planting to establish a deep root system, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with afternoon protection in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch, and avoid cutting into old, leafless woody stems when pruning.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Cut the foliage and spent flower stems hard to the base in late winter or early spring to refresh the mound.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer or compost mulch around the base in early spring.
- Provide supplemental watering during dry spells to prevent leaf scorch.
Don't
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged winter soils, which can cause root rot.
- Avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems at the base of the plant.
- Do not apply excessive high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak, floppy foliage.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Lady's Mantle questions
What zones can Dwarf Lady's Mantle grow in?
Dwarf Lady's Mantle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Lady's Mantle deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Lady's Mantle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Lady's Mantle bloom?
Dwarf Lady's Mantle typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Lady's Mantle need full sun?
Dwarf Lady's Mantle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dwarf Lady's Mantle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Lady's Mantle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Alchemilla to compare
Keep exploring
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Grow Dwarf Lady's Mantle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.