Lady's Mantle Companion Plants: The Perfect Addition to Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous October 04, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a beautiful and versatile perennial plant that is loved by gardeners all over the world. It is known for its attractive, scalloped leaves and delicate, yellow-green flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. But did you know that lady's mantle also makes an excellent companion plant? In this article, we will explore some of the best plants to pair with lady's mantle in your garden.

Lady's Mantle: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into the world of companion plants, let's take a closer look at lady's mantle itself. Lady's mantle is a hardy perennial that thrives in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches and spreads out to form dense clumps. Its foliage is its main attraction, with large, round leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft, velvety texture. In early summer, lady's mantle produces small, star-shaped flowers that are held aloft on tall, wiry stems. These flowers are a pale yellow-green color and are beloved by bees and other pollinators.

Best Companion Plants for Lady's Mantle

Now that we know a bit more about lady's mantle, let's take a look at some of the best plants to pair with it in your garden.

1. Hostas

Hostas are a natural choice for pairing with lady's mantle, as they thrive in similar growing conditions. Both plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, so they make excellent bedfellows. Hostas come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and textures, so there is sure to be a variety that complements your lady's mantle perfectly. Try pairing lady's mantle with a bold, blue-leaved hosta like 'Elegans' or a dainty, variegated variety like 'Patriot.'

2. Ferns

Ferns are another great companion for lady's mantle, as they share its love of shade and moisture. Ferns also bring a unique texture to the garden, with their delicate, lacy fronds. Try pairing lady's mantle with a clump-forming fern like the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) or the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris).

3. Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a colorful and versatile perennial that pairs beautifully with lady's mantle. Heucheras are available in a wide range of colors, from deep burgundy to bright lime green, so you can choose a variety that complements your lady's mantle perfectly. They also prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, making them an ideal companion for lady's mantle.

4. Astilbes

Astilbes are a showy perennial that produces large, fluffy plumes of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They thrive in partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent companion for lady's mantle. Try planting astilbes in front of your lady's mantle for a pop of color and texture.

5. Hellebores

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are a winter-blooming perennial that pairs beautifully with lady's mantle. Hellebores produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, which bloom from late winter to early spring. They are also shade tolerant and prefer moist soil, making them an ideal companion for lady's mantle.

Other Plants to Consider

While the plants listed above are some of the best companions for lady's mantle, there are many other plants that can work well in combination with this versatile perennial. Here are a few more options to consider:

1. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Bleeding heart is a classic cottage garden plant that pairs beautifully with lady's mantle. Its delicate, heart-shaped flowers dangle from arching stems, creating a romantic, old-fashioned feel in the garden.

2. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)

Lungwort is a low-growing perennial that produces attractive foliage in shades of green, silver, and white. It also produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, blue, or white, which bloom in early spring.

3. Foamflower (Tiarella spp.)

Foamflower is a shade-loving perennial that produces spikes of delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of white or pink. Its foliage is also quite attractive, with deeply lobed leaves that are often tinged with bronze or purple.

Tips for Planting Lady's Mantle Companion Plants

When planting lady's mantle companion plants, keep these tips in mind to ensure success:

1. Choose plants that thrive in similar growing conditions to lady's mantle.

As we've already mentioned, lady's mantle prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Be sure to choose companion plants that share these preferences, as they will be more likely to thrive alongside your lady's mantle.

2. Consider color and texture when choosing companion plants.

Lady's mantle has a soft, velvety texture and a pale yellow-green color. Keep this in mind when choosing companion plants, as you want to create a cohesive look in your garden. Look for plants with interesting textures or complementary colors to pair with your lady's mantle.

3. Pay attention to planting distance.

When planting lady's mantle companion plants, be sure to space them appropriately. You don't want them to be too close together, as this can lead to overcrowding and competition for resources. On the other hand, you don't want them to be too far apart, as this can leave gaps in your garden design.

FAQs

Q1: Can lady's mantle be grown in full sun?

A1: While lady's mantle prefers partial shade, it can tolerate some sunlight, especially in cooler climates. However, in hot, sunny locations, lady's mantle may struggle and become scorched.

Q2: Is lady's mantle invasive?

A2: Lady's mantle is not considered invasive, but it can spread rapidly in ideal growing conditions. Be sure to keep it in check by dividing it every few years and removing any seedlings that pop up outside of its designated area.

Q3: How do I care for lady's mantle?

A3: Lady's mantle is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Keep it well-watered, especially during dry spells, and divide it every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Q4: Can I use lady's mantle in floral arrangements?

A4: Yes, lady's mantle is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Its delicate flowers and attractive foliage make it a great filler for bouquets or centerpieces.

Q5: Can I plant lady's mantle in containers?

A5: Lady's mantle can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering than when planted in the ground. Be sure to choose a large container with good drainage, and use a high-quality potting mix.

Lady's mantle is a beautiful and versatile perennial that makes an excellent companion plant in the garden. By pairing it with other shade-loving plants that thrive in moist soil, you can create a cohesive and attractive garden design that will delight you for years to come.