Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Alchemilla mollis
Lady's Mantle
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Alchemilla mollis is one of the most accommodating edging perennials, forming soft clumps of scalloped light-green leaves beneath airy sprays of tiny yellow flowers from summer into autumn. It tolerates sun or shade and a wide range of soils as long as some moisture is available, making it especially useful for softening paths, border fronts and underplanting.
✅ Grows reliably in sun or shade
✅ Soft foliage and airy flowers make excellent edging
⚠️ Prone to self-seeding if flowers are left
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Max Spread
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Growth Habit
- Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Full Shade Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
-
(< −20 °C) Extremely hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
-
- Underplanting
- Banks / Slopes
- Flower Borders
- Edging
- Merits
-
- Generally disease-free
- Generally pest-free
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
- Good for Cut Flowers
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