Origin and Common Names
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is a herbaceous plant species under the family Rosaceae. This plant is native to the mountains of western China but is commonly found in other countries with cold and wet climates, such as Japan and Korea. It is commonly known as Silver Lady's-mantle, Silver Lady's-mantle Alchemilla, and Lady's-mantle Alchemilla.
General Appearance
The Silver Lady's-mantle plant is a low-growing perennial that typically grows up to around 30 cm tall. It has basal leaves that form a dense rosette, and the leaves are silver-green and covered with silky hairs. The leaves are deeply lobed, with each lobe having a rounded or blunt tip. The plant usually produces small yellow-green flowers in clusters on upright stems from early to mid-summer. The plant has a delicate appearance and is a favorite among gardeners looking for a subtle, elegant plant to add to their gardens.
Uses
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is mainly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, borders, and rock gardens. Its silvery-green foliage makes it a beautiful option for ground cover, as it creates an attractive carpet-like effect. It is also used in attracting wildlife, such as bees and butterflies, as its flowers are a source of nectar for these insects. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and scald.
Growth Conditions for Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm.
Light: Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides prefers full to partial shade. It can tolerate some sun exposure in cooler climates or at higher elevations. However, excessive sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and wilt.
Temperature: This plant thrives in cool to temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C. It can tolerate mild frost during the winter months but may not survive in extremely cold temperatures.
Soil: Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides prefers moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic soils. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it performs best in soils that are rich in organic matter.
Water: This plant requires regular watering to grow and thrive. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the summer months, it may need to be watered more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilizer: Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, adding some compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and development.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through division or seed germination. Division is typically done in the spring or fall, while seed germination can be done in the spring.
Cultivation methods
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that can grow in any well-draining soil under full sunlight or partial shade. It is best to plant this species during the spring or fall when the temperature is mild.
If planting is done in the spring, make sure to water regularly until the roots are established, while planting in the fall aiding the plant to establish itself better and get ready for the upcoming growing season. This plant is known to propagate itself by self-seeding, so it may not be necessary to plant more than once in a garden or landscape setting.
Watering needs
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is a drought-tolerant species, but it still needs regular watering at an interval of 2 to 3 weeks in very dry weather conditions. When watering, it is best to water deeply so that the plant develops deep roots. Deep roots help to sustain the plant without requiring frequent watering.
Overwatering this plant can lead to root rot and other fungal infections, therefore, it is recommended to let the soil dry out almost completely before watering again. In addition, if grown in pots, ensure there are drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
This plant does not require frequent fertilization since it grows well in most soils. However, fertilizing once or twice in a growing season helps to boost plant growth and enhance foliage coloration. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer, which slowly releases nutrients over time, ensuring that the plant is well-fed throughout the growing season.
If organic fertilizer is preferred, combination of organic materials such as well-rotted compost, bone meal, or blood meal can be used. For best results, apply fertilizer in the spring and summer, as it is the active growing season.
Pruning
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is a relatively low maintenance plant and does not require frequent pruning, but deadheading flowers and removing damaged or dead foliage on occasion helps to tidy up the plant and promote good health.
Removing spent flower heads helps to promote more blooming and prevent the plant from producing seed. Trimming back foliage that has become tattered or wilted helps to promote new growth and keeps the plant's form in a tidy manner. In general, pruning should be done in early spring just before the new growth cycle begins.
Propagation of Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as Silver Lady's Mantle and is native to the mountains of southwest China.
Propagation Methods
There are two main methods of propagation for Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides:
1. Division
Propagation through division is the easiest and most common method of propagating Silver Lady's Mantle. It is best to divide the plant in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate through division, follow these simple steps:
- Carefully dig the plant out of the ground, making sure to keep as much of the root system intact as possible.
- Using a sharp, sterilized knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system and a few leaves.
- Plant each section in a well-drained soil mix and water thoroughly.
- Place the newly propagated plants in a partially shaded area and keep the soil moist until they are established.
2. Seed
Propagation by seed is a more challenging method for Silver Lady's Mantle as the seeds require specific conditions to germinate. Follow these steps to propagate Silver Lady's Mantle through seed:
- Collect the seeds when the plant has finished flowering. The seedheads will have turned brown and the seeds will be dark and hard.
- Store the seeds in a dry and cool place until the following spring.
- Prepare a well-draining soil mix and moisten it lightly.
- Sow the seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a light layer of soil.
- Place the container in a warm and bright location but out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate, which can take up to three weeks.
- Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and provide them with enough light and moisture.
- After the last frost in your region, plant the seedlings in their final location in the garden.
Disease Management
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is generally a hardy plant and not susceptible to many diseases. However, it can sometimes be susceptible to foliar diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding of plants. Fungicides such as neem oil or copper fungicides can also be used. Rust can be treated with fungicides such as Mancozeb, Trifloxystrobin, Myclobutanil, and Propiconazole.
Pest Management
Alchemilla argyrophylla Oliv. subsp. argyrophylloides (Baker f.) Rothm. is primarily susceptible to aphids and spider mites.
Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings into the garden. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control aphids.
Spider mites can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also important to maintain proper humidity levels around the plant to discourage spider mites from thriving. Regularly misting the plant can also help to control spider mites.
It is important to regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or disease and to take immediate action to manage them to prevent spread to other plants in the garden.
