How big does Lady's mantle grow?

About 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–45 cm × 45–75 cm.

What soil does Lady's mantle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Lady's mantle hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Lady's mantle flower?

Flowering: May–July, yellow, green.

How much water does Lady's mantle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Lady's mantle cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 1,300 to HUF 2,600 in local shops, depending on size.

Lady's mantle

Alchemilla mollis

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a perennial that reaches 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,300.

Illustration of Lady's mantle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

You will know it by its soft, hairy, rounded leaves that hold raindrops and dew like beads, topped by a haze of yellow-green flowers in early summer. It makes a fine edging and ground cover under roses and taller perennials, best in part shade. It wants soil that stays fresh, dislikes baking sun and drying out, and seeds itself everywhere unless you cut it back after flowering.

Watch out for

It has hardly any pests or diseases. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaves scorch and brown in full sun or when the soil dries out, so plant it in part shade and water in drought; if it looks tired, shear it to the ground and with watering it regrows in a few weeks. It seeds very freely and the seedlings root firmly: cut off the spent flower stems before the seed ripens. It has already escaped from gardens in places in Central Europe, so do not plant it next to semi-natural areas.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, yellow, green

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–45 cm × 45–75 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 1,300

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 1,300 – HUF 2,600

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Plants for containers

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