Bewitching fan-shaped leaves bejeweled with crystalline droplets of water are the signature of elegant Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis). Representing the family of Rosaceae, Alchemilla mollis 'Thriller' boasts bright chartreuse green flowers and fuzzy, scalloped leaves that blend beautifully in a border around springtime Peonies. Though rather demure in apperance, Alchemilla is a tough perennial that is winter hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.

Unbox your freshly-arrived plug plants immediately, open up their custom greenhouses and provide a nice drink of water. Consult our Plug Care Guide for tips on hardening off these new babies; hardened-off plants are healthier, stronger, and bloom more abundantly than plants that go directly from their perfect greenhouse conditions to the rigors of the real world without an adjustment period. After the hardening-off period, transplant your plug plants within a week of arrival into evenly moist soil, and water in well. This aids in preventing transplant shock. Keep your plugs consistently moist (but not waterlogged) with an overhead water source like a hose or sprinkler for a few weeks while they establish and develop their root systems. Alchemilla can be transplanted either in the early spring soon after your last outdoor frost, or in the fall at least 4 weeks before your first outdoor frost; they will develop a sturdy root system before winter's chill arrives. Lady's Mantle is a daylength-neutral bloomer that can thrive in partial or full sun. If your climate is hotter, choose a location with softer morning sun and afternoon shade. Moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7) pH will make these plants happiest!

Allow 12 to 18 inches between each plant to accomodate their mounding habit. Alchemilla is a hardy perennial that will give you many years of growth, as long as they receive consistent watering. Do not allow Alchemilla to dry out for prolonged periods. Though pinching the flowers is not required, Alchemilla is known to self-seed and spread; keep the flowers deadheaded to discourage self-seeding and new plants from popping up. Easygoing Alchemilla is generally pest- and disease-free, but keep a keen eye out for aphids, as well as slugs, which enjoy overly moist conditions and will munch foliage. Proper spacing at 12-18 inches between plants encourages airflow and helps prevent fungal diseases.

Alchemilla 'Thriller' is a florist's favorite variety, adding lush gold texture, and an unusual color to to arrangements. If you plan to use Lady's Mantle as a cut foliage or flower, cut your stems in the morning while the plants are well-hydrated and still cool. For the longest vase life, harvest when about 75% of the small lime-green flowers have opened. Once cut, place stems in cool, clean water right away, and store in the cooler or cool dark place to maintain maximum freshness.