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Description
Alchemilla Glabra, also known as smooth lady’s mantle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Alchemilla Glabra is known for its unique leaves that have scalloped edges and are covered in tiny hairs that give them a velvety texture. It produces small, yellow-green flowers in the summer that are not particularly showy but add to the plant’s overall appeal.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Alchemilla |
Appearance
Alchemilla Glabra grows up to 30 cm in height and 45 cm in width. Its leaves are dark green in color and have a unique shape with scalloped edges that resemble the shape of a fan. The leaves are covered in tiny hairs that give them a velvety texture and make them appear to sparkle when wet. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color, and they bloom in the summer. They are not particularly showy but add to the plant’s overall appeal. Alchemilla Glabra is a beautiful plant that looks great as a border, ground cover, or container plant.
Care Guide
Alchemilla Glabra is an easy-to-care-for plant that doesn’t require a lot of attention. Here are some tips to help you care for your Alchemilla Glabra:
- Water: Alchemilla Glabra prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Alchemilla Glabra doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Alchemilla Glabra prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but doesn’t like soil that is too wet or too dry.
- Sunlight: Alchemilla Glabra prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun but doesn’t like to be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
- Hardiness Zones: Alchemilla Glabra is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alchemilla Glabra is generally a healthy plant that doesn’t have a lot of problems with pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can be a problem, especially in wet or humid conditions. They can be controlled with slug bait or by using copper tape around the base of the plant.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Alchemilla Glabra is native to Europe but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist but well-draining soil and partial shade to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alchemilla Glabra toxic to pets?
A: No, Alchemilla Glabra is not toxic to pets.
Q: How often should I water Alchemilla Glabra?
A: Alchemilla Glabra prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.
Q: Can Alchemilla Glabra tolerate full sun?
A: Alchemilla Glabra prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun but doesn’t like to be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Q: When should I fertilize Alchemilla Glabra?
A: You can fertilize Alchemilla Glabra once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Alchemilla Mollis
- Alchemilla Vulgaris
- Alchemilla Xanthochlora
- Alchemilla Alpina
References
- “Alchemilla Glabra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b827.
- “Alchemilla Glabra.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/324/alchemilla-glabra/details.
- “Alchemilla Glabra.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-alchemilla-glabra-plants-1402662.
