Alchemilla erythropoda

About this cultivar:

Alchemilla erythropoda is a species of Alchemilla native to Eastern Europe. About half the size of Alchemilla mollis it looks just like a dwarf version, but it is not! It is a red-stem version (erythropoda means red stem). It forms a clump of hairy, palmate leaves, with sprays of citron-yellow flowers in early summer. The leaves of this and its relative A. mollis are noted for being highly water-repellent. Looks great anywhere. Seeds a bit but not as much as A. Mollis. The stems are not very red though, despite the species name.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil - grows well in Ballyrobert!
• Flowers: June, July, August, September
  
• Other features: -
• Hardiness: Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!
• Habit: Clump forming
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 15 - 45 cm (0.5 - 1.5 ft)
• Spread: 15 - 45 cm (0.5 - 1.5 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: White, green, yellow
• Goes well with: Ground cover plants such as Phlox subulata, Geranium & Vinca. Other small plants, alone in the front of a border, rock garden, path, or wall.

About this genus:

Alchemilla, also known as Lady's mantle, forms quite a large genus featuring a wide range of plant-types. Most species are clump-forming, or mounded, perennials with leaves arising from woody rhizomes. They tend to thrive in cool regions and are quite water-resistant. As you can imagine they often thrive in our garden!

The best use of Alchemilla in the garden tends to be as ground cover. As a result they compliment other ground cover type plants such as Phlox subulata, Geranium and even Vinca.