When do I cut alchemilla back?

After flowering in late July or early August — cut the whole plant down to 10 cm above the ground. Three reasons: (1) prevents prolific self-seeding (a major issue if not done); (2) triggers a fresh flush of clean foliage for late summer; (3) removes the slightly tatty post-flower foliage. The plant regrows in 2–3 weeks with fresh new leaves; a second light flush of flowers sometimes follows.

Why is alchemilla seeding all over my garden?

It's prolific self-seeder if not deadheaded. Each plant produces thousands of seeds that drop in any bare soil. The solution: cut the plant down to 10 cm right after flowering (late July) before seeds set. For unwanted seedlings: pull them while small (March–April); they're easy to remove young. Mature alchemilla has a deep root system that's harder to dig out. Many UK gardeners accept some self-seeding for the easy ground cover, just pulling volunteers from where they're unwanted.

Why do alchemilla leaves hold raindrops as beads?

Natural hydrophobic surface. The pleated alchemilla leaf has a slightly water-repellent surface and a concave shape that holds rainwater or heavy dew as a single large mercury-like droplet at the leaf centre. Medieval alchemists collected this alchemilla water (the source of the plant's genus name — derived from alchemy) believing it had magical properties. In the modern garden: simply one of the great quiet pleasures — a border of alchemilla after rain holds dozens of these silver beads.

Will alchemilla grow in shade?

Yes — it's one of the most shade-tolerant flowering perennials. Tolerates part shade and even fairly deep shade, though flower production reduces in deep shade. Best display: part shade with morning sun. Dry shade under trees: alchemilla survives where most plants fail, though stays smaller and flowers less. For shaded ground cover: alchemilla mixes well with hardy geranium (G. macrorrhizum), pulmonaria, and hostas.

Can alchemilla be invasive?

Yes by self-seeding, not by spread. Alchemilla doesn't run by rhizomes (no underground spread), but it produces enormous amounts of seed that germinate anywhere there's bare soil. An un-managed alchemilla can produce hundreds of seedlings annually, gradually colonising paths, gravel, lawn edges, and any bare patch. Manage with the post-flower cut-back (mid-July) — this prevents self-seeding entirely. The plant itself stays a tidy clump; the spread is only via seed.

What does alchemilla pair well with?

Cottage garden classics. (1) With roses: alchemilla's lime-green softens the strong rose colours and fills gaps at the base. (2) With nepeta (catmint): the lime-green-against-violet contrast is one of the great UK garden combinations. (3) With hardy geranium: any colour works — pink, magenta, blue, white. (4) With dark foliage: heuchera Palace Purple or Obsidian for dramatic contrast. (5) In bouquets: alchemilla makes the perfect bridging foliage between any flower colours.

Alchemilla mollis

Plantez l'alchemilla en automne ou au printemps, au soleil ou à mi-ombre, dans n'importe quel sol de jardin de bonne qualité : c'est l'une des plantes vivaces couvre-sol les plus fiables du Royaume-Uni, avec ses feuilles palmées légèrement plissées (40 cm de large) et ses nuages vaporeux de minuscules fleurs vert citron qui fleurissent de juin à août. L'alchemilla est très rustique (RHS H7) et réputée pour sa facilité d'entretien : elle tolère presque toutes les conditions de jardin au Royaume-Uni, à l'exception d'une ombre profonde et sèche. Les feuilles retiennent les gouttes de pluie comme des perles d'argent, créant un effet visuel magique admiré dans les jardins britanniques depuis des siècles. Coupez toute la plante à 10 cm après la floraison pour favoriser le renouvellement du feuillage et empêcher une auto-ensemencement prolifique (la plante peut former une colonie si on la laisse faire). Elle s'auto-ensemence partout où le sol est nu — contrôlez-la en coupant les fleurs fanées et en arrachant les plantules indésirables.

View full growing guide →