Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is not evergreen. Unlike evergreens such as juniper, arborvitae, or box, lady’s mantle goes through a life cycle where its leaves die back in the winter and new growth emerges in the spring.
During the growing season, lady’s mantle produces beautiful round leaves that are deeply lobed and have a soft, velvety texture. These leaves are a vibrant green color and provide an attractive contrast to the crispness of evergreen needles or leaves. The leaves of lady’s mantle are often described as being similar in shape to the rounded leaves of the plantain weed, but with a more delicate appearance.
In addition to its foliage, lady’s mantle also produces small, yellow-green flowers that are held in clusters above the leaves. These flowers have a unique beauty and add further interest to the plant. Lady’s mantle flowers are often described as having a frothy or delicate appearance, with their small size and intricate structure.
While lady’s mantle is not evergreen, it still offers many benefits in the garden. It is a low-maintenance plant that is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including both sun and shade. Lady’s mantle is also a good choice for adding texture and interest to garden beds or borders. Its soft, rounded leaves and delicate flowers can be used to create a contrast with other plants and add a touch of elegance to the landscape.
In my own experience, I have found that lady’s mantle can be a versatile and resilient plant. I have grown it in both full sun and partial shade, and it has performed well in both situations. Its foliage and flowers have added a lovely touch to my garden, particularly when paired with evergreen plants. The contrast between the soft, rounded leaves of lady’s mantle and the sharp needles of evergreens creates an interesting visual dynamic.
While lady’s mantle is not evergreen, it offers unique beauty and texture to the garden. Its round leaves and delicate flowers provide a contrast to the crispness of evergreen needles or leaves. Whether used in borders, beds, or as a standalone plant, lady’s mantle adds an elegant touch to any landscape.