Overview
Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. also known as Wilms' Lady's Mantle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is native to the Balkans, specifically in Serbia and Montenegro.
Description
Wilms' Lady's Mantle has leaves that are typical of the Lady's Mantle species. The leaves are basal, kidney-shaped, and with serrated margins with a height of about 10 cm. The plant's flower stalk can bear up to 30 small greenish-yellow flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. It can grow up to 30 cm in height and prefers a cool, humid environment.
Common Names
Wilms' Lady's Mantle is also commonly known as Serbian Lady's Mantle, Mountain Lady's Mantle, and Balkan Lady's Mantle.
Uses
The leaves of Wilms' Lady's Mantle are used in traditional medicine to make herbal tea. Due to its astringent properties, the tea is used to treat diarrhea, digestive problems, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The plant is also used in cosmetics as it contains antioxidants and tannins that are beneficial for the skin. Additionally, Wilms' Lady's Mantle is grown as an ornamental plant and can be found in many gardens for its attractive foliage.
Growth Conditions of Alchemilla Wilmsii Engl.
Light: Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. is a low-light plant that prefers shaded or partially shaded areas. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler temperatures ranging from 4 to 18°C (39 to 64°F).
Soil: Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. prefers well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to ensure adequate nutrition and root growth.
Water: Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. prefers moderate watering and should not be waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to plant death.
Fertilizer: Although this plant does not require fertilization, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer regimen during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer applied once a month will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Humidity: Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. thrives in high humidity environments, but it can also tolerate lower levels of humidity. Maintaining a constant level of humidity will promote healthy growth and prevent desiccation of the leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows well in a sunny, partially shaded location. The ideal soil for this plant should be moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic. It is important to choose a location where the plant can receive adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds.
The plant can be propagated via seed or through vegetative means such as division or transplantation. It is recommended to propagate the plant during the spring season. When transplanting, ensure that the roots are not damaged.
Watering Needs
Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. requires regular watering, especially during periods of high temperatures and dry weather. The plant needs to be watered deeply once or twice per week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It is not advisable to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering as this may lead to wilting.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done during the growing season to promote strong growth and improve flowering. It is recommended to fertilize the plant using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, preferably organic-based. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on application rates and frequency.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Alchemilla wilmsii Engl., although it can help to maintain its shape and improve flowering. If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, it can be cut back to just above the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading faded flowers can also encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Alchemilla wilmsii Engl.
Alchemilla wilmsii Engl., also known as the Wilms' lady's mantle, can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means. The plant produces small seeds that can be difficult to handle but can be used to grow new plants.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. can be collected from mature seed heads. The best time to collect these seeds is in the fall when the seed heads have turned brown. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until the next spring. Before planting, the seeds need to be pre-chilled. This can be achieved by sowing the seeds in a seed tray or pot, covering with compost, and placing them in a cold frame or refrigerator for four to six weeks. Once the seeds have been chilled, they can be sown at a depth of 3 mm in a good-quality seed compost. The seedlings should emerge in two to three weeks. These seedlings need to be kept frost-free in the first winter and transplanted the following spring to their permanent spot.
Vegetative Propagation
Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. can also be propagated through vegetative means like division or cuttings.
Division
The most common form of vegetative propagation is division. The best time for division is early spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the root mass into sections, each with several growing points. Plant the divided sections in a suitable place and water them well. They should start growing soon.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagation for Alchemilla wilmsii Engl. That being said, they can be more difficult than division. Softwood stem cuttings should be taken in mid-June, just after flowering. The cuttings should be approximately 7 cm long and should be taken from non-flowering shoots. Remove the bottom leaves and cut the remaining leaves in half as this will minimize water loss. Plant the cuttings in compost and cover with polythene to keep up humidity. Root formation will take longer than for herbaceous cuttings; usually, after 2-3 months they need transplanting to pots and growing under shelter until the following spring. Then they can be wintered under glass and planted outside in spring.
Disease Management for Alchemilla wilmsii Engl.
Alchemilla wilmsii, being a hardy and disease-resistant plant, is generally not affected by any major disease. However, several minor diseases can affect this plant.
One such disease is leaf spot, which can be caused by fungi. It is characterized by the appearance of brownish-black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves and destroying them. Additionally, avoiding overhead irrigation of the plant and making sure the plant receives enough sunlight will prevent this disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Alchemilla wilmsii Engl.
Alchemilla wilmsii is generally not affected by many pests. However, several minor pests can affect this plant, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Aphids can cause discoloration and crumpling of leaves, and damage the growth of the plant. They can be managed through physical removal of the pests, using insecticidal soap, or by applying neem oil. Maintaining proper cleanliness around the plant and avoiding over-fertilization can also prevent aphid infestations.
Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions and can cause leaf yellowing, as well as webbing on the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. In severe infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied.
Mealybugs are small, white, and have a cotton-like wax covering. They can cause stunted growth and wilted leaves. They can be managed by physically removing them or spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. For severe infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied.
