Alchemilla mollis (garden lady's-mantle)

Japanese name: アルケミラ モリス
Scientific name: Alchemilla mollis

[Overview]
A bushy perennial 30–45 cm tall.
In its native range it grows in mountainous areas.
There are basal leaves and leaves arranged alternately on the stem; they are about 15 cm across, shallowly palmately divided into 9–11 lobes, round and scallop-shaped, yellowish green to slightly bluish white, and covered with soft hairs that repel water, so water droplets such as morning dew sit on the leaf surface.
The leaf margins are toothed.
The basal leaves and the lower stem leaves have petioles, and stipules at the base of the petioles.
The upper stem leaves are sessile and clasp the stem at the base.
The flowers are yellowish green; corymb-like to cyme-like inflorescences at the stem tips bear many small, yellowish green, star-shaped open flowers.
The flowers have no petals, but have 4 epicalyx segments and 4 sepals.
The fruit is an achene.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers a cool climate and well-drained soil; in warm regions, using soil for alpine and wild plants or planting it in a rock garden makes it easier to get through summer.
It dislikes heat and dryness, and in warm regions direct summer sun and dryness can scorch the leaves or weaken the plant.
In cold regions a sunny spot all year is good; in warm regions a spot that is sunny from autumn to spring and in partial shade in summer is good, and when planting in the ground, planting under deciduous trees is recommended.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil dries out.
If fertilizer is applied at planting, no further fertilizing is particularly necessary, but for potted plants, apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn while watching the plant's growth.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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