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Features
Forms clumps of pleated, light green leaves which are soft and hairy with scalloped and serrated margins. The leaves look particularly attractive first thing in the morning after dew has formed, or after light rain, as droplets of water are held on them, glistening in the sun.
The small, bright yellow flowers are borne in large sprays above the foliage.
What to use it for
Can be used as ground cover from spring to autumn. Ideal for most garden situations, including banks/slopes, borders, edging, underplanting roses/shrubs and wildflower gardens. It is also useful for cut flower arrangements (fresh or dried).
How to look after it
Requires little maintenance, other than the pruning outlined below.
How to prune it
Regular deadheading will keep it looking neat and minimise self-seeding.
As the summer progresses and the flowers/leaves get tatty, cut them off with shears and fresh new foliage will grow in their place.
How to propagate it
Alchemilla mollis self-seeds prolifically, so creating new plants is rarely a problem.
New plants can be grown from seed in autumn; keeping them exposed to the winter cold to overcome their dormancy triggers the spring germination.
Alternatively an easier way is to divide existing plants in spring; the new plants should flower the same year.
Common problems
Because of its tendency to seed freely some gardeners consider this more of a weed than an ornamental plant. Otherwise this is a relatively problem-free plant.
Other useful information
The name ‘mollis’ means soft or pliant, presumably referring to the plant’s leaves.
Has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
