Alchemilla mollis

The Alchemilla mollis is a charming ground cover plant known as the Our Lady's Mantle. This is probably due to its round and plicate leaves, which are a decorative glaucous green colour and have the extraordinary ability to retain raindrops and dew. As soft to the touch as it is pleasing to the eye, this perennial plant complements the other plants in its companion field, even in shallow soil. Hardy and sometimes evergreen in winter, it is covered in a mist of yellow-green flowers in summer, making it beautiful and decorative for a large part of the year.

The Alchemilla mollis, sometimes called soft alchemilla, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the rose family. It is native to Eurasia, from southwestern Europe to the Caucasus, and from Asia Minor in northern Iran to Japan. It prefers moist but well-drained and fertile clay soil, and thrives in partial shade.

This excellent ground cover spreads spontaneously, sometimes becoming invasive in favourable conditions. At maturity, the plant forms a spreading clump with a rounded and spreading habit, reaching a height of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) and spreading at least as much. Its foliage consists of large circular velvety leaves, lobed, with a diameter of 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in), finely plicate and dentate along the edges. The colour is a fairly light green, intermediate between chartreuse and anise, and slightly bluish or silvery depending on the lighting. The leaves have a strong water-repellent property, meaning they allow water to slide off and gather in droplets instead of spreading or absorbing it. This foliage will persist during winter in regions with milder climates, but will disappear elsewhere.

Flowering occurs in June-July. It takes the form of diffuse corymbose cymes, resembling loose cloudy clusters, with a yellow-green colour that is light and very bright, making them delightful in fresh or dried bouquets. This perennial plant often self-seeds spontaneously.

In nature, alchemilla grows in rocky and clayey soil in mountainous regions, in high-altitude meadows, and at the edge of forests. It is difficult not to find a place for it in the garden, as it is robust, adaptable, and easy to associate with various shrubs or perennial plants. It covers the ground, in full sun or partial shade, harmonizing its chartreuse flowering with beautiful English or old roses, as well as with majestic lilies. This plant has no rival in softening the appearance of a newly laid path or concealing bare soil around new constructions. It can grow in very little soil, as long as it is not too dry, which allows it to be planted in the gaps of paving stones, the crevices of stone walls, or the steps of a staircase. Alchemilla is also perfect with spring-flowering bulbs or autumn crocuses.

Beauty tip: In August, shear all the foliage of your alchemilla mollis with shears, and new foliage will appear within 15 days.

Etymology: The name Alchemilla derives from the Arabic word al-kemelih, related to alchemy. The dew drops collected on the leaves were used by alchemists to prepare the famous "celestial water" for the creation of the philosopher's stone.