Lady's Mantle in the South

20 years ago

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone's had experience growing Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla Mollis) in this area. My in-laws in Michigan have tons of it but according to a couple of my sources it may be too hot here. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for your assistance!

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shenandoah

20 years ago

When I was a southern greenhorn some years ago I went to buy several pots of lady's mantle at a nursery and the woman working there made a funny face when I put them in my cart. "Don't they grow well here?" I asked. She looked over her shoulder, checking to see if the boss was around. "It can be difficult," she said, and then, deciding she shouldn't discourage a sale, amended that. "Try it for yourself and see." I bought the plants, put them in my garden, and they literally melted away as the weather warmed. So now I know better. Almost ANYTHING I see growing in massive heaps and billows in a British gardening book or mag (or PNW, for that matter) I avoid like the plague, because I know my climate is the exact opposite. Now when I shop at a nursery and I see someone picking up alchemilla mollis or delphinium or cyclamen or anything else that I know is going to be dead in two weeks I make a face -- and hope they catch on.

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Comments (14)

jeff_al
20 years ago
didn't like my place at all. may be that zone 7 is its southern limit?
lsmcw
20 years ago
I've tried it twice - didn't like me either. Linda
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Iris GW
20 years ago
I see it growing at abandoned home sites from time to time in the atlanta area.
tabassam
20 years ago
I bought some cheap 6-packs from Wal-mart 3 yrs. ago and put some in a moist shady place--they were very small for 2 yrs. and this spring they finally have some growth to where it is noticable. I wouldn't buy any expensive ones. The ones I planted in dry shade and/or sunny places died out. By the way, I have a 2yr. cyclamen in a small pot that I overwintered and have placed in a shady cool microclimate place and it bloomed again (only 2 blooms, but I was trilled nevertheless) and still holding on with the blooms going on 6 weeks. I think if you have a microclimate that would suit a potential plant--you probaly can grow it.
ccl38
20 years ago
Planted it twice--watched it die both times--won't plant it again.
sugarhill
20 years ago
I have alchemilla mollis - common Lady's Mantle. It grows fine just north of Atlanta in Gwinnett County. Better than fine. I got mine from a nursery over near Athens that sells only plants that do well in this area of Georgia. It's absolutely beautiful today after yesterday's rain. I'm a beginner gardener and not very good at it yet, so you don't need to know what you're doing to grow it. Make sure it's in shade.
squirrelspur
19 years ago
I have some I grew from seed that is doing well under trees. 'Irish Silk' is the name of the cultivar.

K
ccl38
19 years ago
It is such a pretty plant and I have watched it melt twice.
faeriegardenmum zone 6
10 years ago
Looking for anyone else to comment, I want some so bad, miss my Midwest garden. I have been planting other plants with need of afternoon shade, in a new part sun bed with improved soil, hoping that may be what they need. I am halfway between ATL and Chatanooga.
lackey5335
8 years ago
Just planted 6 of them around a tall tree in my yard,waiting on them to sprout up,its not a very shaded area,will they do good?An how much should I water them and how long before they start sprouting up ?
faeriegardenmum zone 6
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think it's most important to give them some protection from the late day sun. Like you should for most Heucheras. I just love it, and as someone else commented, so beautiful after the rain. Keep it watered especially the first year until established. They should wow you next year, if they are in the right spot.
HU-456651571
5 years ago
I'm in Memphis (sort of between South and Midwest, but very hot in summer). I have perfect spot in garden (lots of shade with a little morning sun), and I love the plant, so I was going to try next year. Is it a bad idea? I realize I'll have to water a lot.
marcyfink
last year
I keep trying it in Cobb county greater ATL, but have crash and burned so far. Trying again on a more shaded spot…..

Lady's Mantle in the South

shenandoah

Comments (14)

jeff_al

lsmcw

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