ASK DIARMUID

Q

What is this – a plant or a weed? I found it growing in my daughter’s garden. Anna

A

Hi Anna. That is Alchemilla mollis, or Lady’s mantle, which is an ornamental garden plant. its round leaves are beautiful, especially after a rain shower when beads of water linger on the surface.

The frothy yellow flowers are lovely to cut and mix in with flower arrangements.

A plant is only ever a weed if you don’t like it! However Alchemilla does self-seed very easily as it has an ability to grow in the poorest of soils, so you’ll often find it self-seeding in cracks in pavement.

A very useful plant for dry shade.