Lady’s mantle
Alchemilla mollis
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listmedium to high water12 in tall and 6–12 in wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Alchemilla mollis
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lady’s mantle good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Lady’s mantle is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Lady’s mantle get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Lady’s mantle?
- Space Lady’s mantle about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Lady’s mantle hardy on the Front Range?
- Lady’s mantle is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Lady’s mantle need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- Is Lady’s mantle native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Lady’s mantle deer-resistant?
- Lady’s mantle is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Lady’s mantle a good firewise plant near the house?
- Lady’s mantle is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Lady’s mantle bloom?
- Lady’s mantle blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
