Alchemilla mollis - Lady's Mantle

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-8, 12" x 24", part sun to part shade (can take a lot of shade, but will bloom less), fluffy, chartreuse blooms in early summer, medium moisture, but drought tolerant once established. 

Common names: Lady's Mantle

Family: Rosaceae

Origin/Distribution: Found in the mountains of western Asia and eastern Europe.

Habitat: Occurs in mountainous regions in higher altitude meadows and woodlands, on rock ledge, as well as in riparian habitats. Part of a cool, moist, shady understory. 

More: There are many reasons why plants receive the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit and Lady's Mantle is no exception. This is a quintessential cottage garden perennial for edging paths and border fronts. It's also a perfect ground cover for under shrubs or as part of a woodland tapestry. It is good for larger rock garden edges, but can be a strong grower, so site accordingly. It is very adaptable and its acid green freshness is welcome in almost any planting scheme. The pleated leaves present dew drops beautifully and insects will enjoy sipping from them. The flowers are good fresh or dried in smaller posies. The plants will seed around if happy and Lady's Mantle is usually happy. Like perennial geraniums, the clumps can be refreshed by providing a cutback after the first bloom and will quickly regrow into an attractive leafiness and perhaps a second bloom. This is a "good doer" and a classic pass-along plant. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons