Alchemilla erythropoda
dwarf Lady's mantle
Overview
Alchemilla erythropoda is a compact, clump-forming perennial in the rose family, reaching 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide. The rounded leaves are palmately lobed with 7-9 shallow, toothed segments, measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, blue-green to grey-green, and covered in short hairs that hold rain and dew as beaded droplets. Leaf stalks and the base of the plant carry a reddish tint, the trait that gives the species its name (erythropoda, meaning red-footed). From June to August it produces airy sprays of small chartreuse to yellow-green flowers held just above the foliage on branched stems. The flowers lack petals, with the color coming from the sepals, and each measures about 1/8 inch (3 mm) across. After flowering, the seed heads persist and the plant may self-sow in open soil. It spreads slowly by a woody rootstock rather than runners, forming dense low mounds, and the foliage dies back to the ground in winter in colder zones. The species resembles A. mollis but reaches roughly half its height and spread. One limitation is that plants can look tired by late summer in hot, dry positions, and foliage may scorch where afternoon sun is strong and the soil dries out.
Native Range
Alchemilla erythropoda is native to the mountains of southeastern Europe and western Asia, including the Carpathians, the Balkan Peninsula, and the Caucasus. It grows in alpine and subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, and stream banks at moderate to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Used as edging along paths and borders, as groundcover at the front of mixed plantings, and in rock gardens and container plantings. The beaded foliage and yellow-green flowers combine with blue and purple-flowered perennials. It is also grown for cutting, with flowers used fresh or dried in arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread10" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June to August, with peak bloom in early to midsummer. The branched flower stems rise 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) above the foliage and carry clusters of small yellow-green flowers. Bloom lasts roughly 4-6 weeks, and cutting back spent stems can prompt a lighter second flush.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Chartreuse to yellow-greenFoliage Description
Blue-green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Alchemilla erythropoda in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility. In hot climates, afternoon shade reduces leaf scorch and slows drying of the foliage. Water regularly during the first season and in dry spells once established; the plant tolerates short droughts but performs better with steady moisture. A soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 suits it, and no routine fertilizing is needed in reasonable soil. Self-sown seedlings appear in open ground and can be lifted and moved while young. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn every three to four years to maintain vigor.Pruning
Shear the whole plant back to the base after flowering to remove spent stems and tired foliage; fresh leaves regrow within a few weeks. Remove seed heads before they ripen to limit self-seeding. In cold zones the foliage dies back on its own and old leaves can be cleared in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons