Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun/semi-shade, height: 30-45cm/12-18in, width: 60cm/24in

Commonly known as lady's mantle, Alchemilla mollis (above) is less valued for its flowers than its handsome leaves, which are light green, palmate and particularly attractive after rain when droplets settle on the leaves. Clusters of tiny, star-shaped limegreen flowers appear in early summer and are very long-lasting. These plants look their best at the front of a border. There are no named varieties of the species. A. alpina, at 15cm/6in, is a smaller species suitable for rock gardens.

GROWING Set out plants between autumn and spring when the weathcr is favourable. Alchemillas like moist, well-drained soil and a position in sun or partial shade. Set twigs around the plants for support and cut the stems right back after flowering.

PROPAGATION Divide established plants in autumn or spring. Plants usually produce numerous self-sown seedlings which do well.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.