Alchemilla Pentaphyllea

Description

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is commonly known as the Five-fingered Lady’s Mantle due to the unique shape of its leaves. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and has a spread of up to 50 cm. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a velvet-like texture that repels rainwater. The flowers are small, yellow-green in color, and bloom in early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is a low-growing plant with a compact habit. The leaves are the most distinctive feature of this plant. They are deeply lobed and have five to seven fingers that create a star shape. The leaves have a soft, velvety texture that is water-repellent, making them look like tiny silver cups after a rain shower. The flowers are small, yellow-green in color, and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. They bloom in early summer and attract bees and other pollinators.

Care Guide

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most gardens. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and beautiful:

Water

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water your plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure the soil is well-drained and does not become waterlogged.

Fertilization

This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can add some organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its fertility. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Soil

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0).

Sunlight

This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.

Hardiness Zones

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, rust, or leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites may also infest this plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Alchemilla Pentaphyllea is native to Europe and Asia and grows in meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Alchemilla Pentaphyllea a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, this plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for beginners.

Q: How often should I water my Alchemilla Pentaphyllea?

A: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Make sure the soil is well-drained and does not become waterlogged.

Q: Can Alchemilla Pentaphyllea be grown in containers?

A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Alchemilla Pentaphyllea?

A: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can add some organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its fertility. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Alchemilla Pentaphyllea:

• Alchemilla Mollis
• Alchemilla Erythropoda
• Alchemilla Vulgaris

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Alchemilla pentaphyllea. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f420
• Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Alchemilla pentaphyllea. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/26795/Alchemilla-pentaphyllea/Details
• The Plant List. (2013). Alchemilla pentaphyllea L. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/rjp-88