Ladys Mantle Plant

Lady's Mantle is a cushion-forming plant with fothy clusters of tiny bright yellow-green flowers that appear between June and August. But this plant's real attraction is the round, crinkly pale green leaves, which trap dew and raindrops to make a truly exquisite show.

Long believed to have healing properties, this is reflected in the plant's Latin name, Alchemilla, which derives from the Arabic, 'alkemelych', or 'alchemy'. Later, the plant was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, hence its English name, and it is still used by herbalists to treat menstrual disorders and symptoms of menopause.

A hardy perennial, Lady's Mantle is happy in all but the wettest soils and is suitable as a groundcover plant, in rockeries and on dry banks, in borders or as an edging plant. It also grows quite happily in a container. Easy to take care of, Lady's Mantle rarely suffers from pests or diseases. Cut back after flowering to prevent excessive self-seeding, and trim old growth.

• Fully hardy perennial.
• Reaches a height of 6"-18" (15-45 cm).
• Spread of 20" (50 cm).
• Flowers June-August.
• Grows in all but boggy soils.
• Ideal in borders or as an edging plant.
• Good ground cover plant.
• Can be grown in containers.

Medicinal Uses

• Use to make a tea to treat menopausal symptons.
• Can be used as a mouth wash after the removal of a tooth.
• Infuse dried leaves to make a cosmetic astringent.

Culinary Uses

• Tear or chop young leaves into small pieces and add to salads.

Other Uses

• Leaves can be boiled to make a green dye for wool.
• Can be used in veterinary medicine to treat diarrhoea.
• Makes an excellent cut flower.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.