Lady's mantle is known as a medicinal plant and is often found growing wild on the edges of forests. If you would like to harvest Alchemilla in your own garden, you can grow it as a ground cover or perennial in the bed. But is lady's mantle also suitable for cultivation in pots?
Can lady's mantle be grown in pots?
Lady's Mantle iswell suitedto be grown in pots or containers. Since there are many different species of this plant, the right one must be chosen for pot cultivation:Alchemilla erythropoda, the little lady's mantle, is the variety of choice.
Why is lady's mantle best for pot growing?
This varietygrowscompared to other varieties of the rose family such as Alchemilla mollis (Soft Lady's Mantle)slowlyand remains much more delicate. The little lady's mantle grows to about15 to 20 cm highand is therefore ideal for planting in pots or alternatively in balcony boxes. Very tall growing varieties, on the other hand, are not suitable for growing in pots recommend.
What should you consider when growing in a pot?
If you want to plant lady's mantle in a pot, be sure to use aas wide and wide planter as possible. Since the edible lady's mantle spreads very quickly and in a creeping manner, it is important to ensure that the roots and above-ground parts of the plant have enough space when growing.
Which soil is best for growing in pots?
The lady's mantle, which blooms mainly in June and July, fortunately only placeslow demandson the soil in order to thrive. Sandy, humus-rich soilis best suited. It is important to loosen the soil well before plantingand to thoroughly remove any weeds. Very light soils can be improved in quality by mixing them with compost or high-quality garden soil. If the soil is very clayey, some sand can be mixed in. A drainage layer at the bottom of the pot is recommended.
Which location is right for lady's mantle in the pot?
Lady's mantle feels most comfortable in a location inpart shade. With sufficient and regular watering, the plants can stand well in thesun.
How do you care for lady's mantle in the pot?
In general, lady's mantle is avery easy-care plant. Please follow our recommendations when caring for it:
- Make sureeven soil moisture, so water regularly depending on the location.
- Provide with an organicfertilizer in spring, repeat fertilization if necessary in summer during the flowering period.
- Cut off the inflorescences after flowering.
If cared for well, lady's mantle provides plenty of leaves that can be used fresh in the kitchen or brewed as tea. Dried leaves taste significantly more bitter than fresh due to the bitter substances they contain.
Tip
Also hardy in pots
Winter hardiness is a clear advantage of the medicinal plant. In a pot or bucket, Alchemilla can spend the winter outdoors without any problems. The leaves wilt in late autumn and the foliage forms a kind of natural frost protection for the plant, which also looks good as a cut flower in a small vase.
