8 Great & 3 Bad Alchemilla Mollis Companion Plants

Today, I’m delving into the world of Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle), sharing my research and experience on the best and worst companions for this charming plant.

Good Alchemilla Mollis Companion Plants

Geranium

Geraniums, with their robust nature and colorful flowers, make perfect neighbors for Alchemilla mollis. They share similar growing conditions and together create a lush, multi-textural display. Geraniums also repel unwanted insects, providing natural protection for themselves and their companions.

• Planting Together:
  1. Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Plant geraniums approximately 12 inches apart from Alchemilla mollis to ensure adequate airflow.
  3. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  4. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage vigorous growth.

Pairing geraniums with Alchemilla mollis adds not only beauty but also practical benefits to your garden. Discover more about geranium companion planting here.

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple spikes, is another excellent companion for Alchemilla mollis. The aromatic oils of lavender can deter common garden pests, making it a natural pest control solution.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Ensure the planting site has full sun and well-draining soil.
  2. Space lavender plants about 18 inches apart from Alchemilla mollis to allow for growth and air circulation.
  3. Water moderately; lavender prefers drier conditions compared to Alchemilla mollis.
  4. Mulch lightly around the plants to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Integrating lavender with Alchemilla mollis not only creates a visually appealing garden but also fosters a healthy, pest-resistant environment. Discover the benefits of lavender in companion planting here.

Marigold

Marigolds are known for their vibrant flowers and ability to repel nematodes and other pests. Planting marigolds near Alchemilla mollis can protect it from underground pests while adding a splash of color to your garden.

• Steps for Planting:
  1. Choose a site that gets plenty of sunlight.
  2. Plant marigold seeds or seedlings approximately 12 inches away from Alchemilla mollis.
  3. Water regularly, especially during the first few weeks, to establish a strong root system.
  4. Deadhead spent marigold flowers to encourage more blooms.

Marigolds are not just beautiful; they’re beneficial for Alchemilla mollis and the garden’s overall health. Learn more about using marigolds as companion plants here.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are not just vibrant and easy to grow; they’re also excellent companions for Alchemilla mollis. Their bright blooms attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. Moreover, nasturtiums serve as trap crops for pests, keeping them away from Lady’s Mantle and other garden plants.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  2. Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the soil, about half an inch deep, next to Alchemilla mollis.
  3. Water gently and keep the soil moist until germination.
  4. Once established, nasturtiums require minimal care. Just ensure they get enough water during dry spells.

Nasturtiums not only complement Alchemilla mollis visually but also create a supportive growing environment. Explore more about nasturtiums and their companions in our article here.

Chives

Chives, with their subtle onion scent, can deter pests like aphids and beetles. They’re a great culinary herb that also enhances the growth and flavor of surrounding plants.

• Guide to Co-planting:
  1. Plant chives in full sun or partial shade, close to Alchemilla mollis.
  2. Space them about 10 inches apart to allow for their clumping habit.
  3. Keep the soil consistently moist through regular watering.
  4. Cut back chives to about 2 inches above the ground to encourage new, bushy growth.

Incorporating chives into your garden benefits Alchemilla mollis by creating a more resilient and aromatic garden space. Dive deeper into 4 Best & 4 Bad Chives Companion Plants.

Foxglove

Foxgloves provide vertical interest and attract pollinators with their towering spikes of tubular flowers. They thrive under similar conditions as Alchemilla mollis, making them ideal companions.

• Planting Side by Side:
  1. Choose a partially shaded area with rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Space foxglove plants about 18 inches from Alchemilla mollis.
  3. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Apply a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Basil

Basil, a culinary favorite, is not only great for cooking but also acts as a companion plant by repelling harmful insects and improving the health of nearby plants. Its strong scent deters pests, making it a valuable ally for Alchemilla mollis.

• How to Grow Together:
  1. Plant basil in a sunny spot where Alchemilla mollis is already thriving, ensuring that both plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Space basil plants around 12 inches apart from Alchemilla mollis to allow for full growth and adequate air circulation.
  3. Water basil regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, to mimic the preferred conditions of Alchemilla mollis.
  4. Harvest basil leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth, which benefits both the basil and its companions by increasing air flow and reducing pest habitats.

Basil’s aromatic presence in the garden supports the growth and health of Alchemilla mollis, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to combine culinary and ornamental planting. For more insights into basil companion planting, check out our detailed guide here.

Sage

Sage, with its aromatic leaves and drought tolerance, is another herb that pairs well with Alchemilla mollis. Sage can deter some common garden pests and, with its attractive flowers, can enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal.

• Companion Planting Steps:
  1. Plant sage in an area that receives full sun to partial shade, matching Alchemilla mollis‘s light requirements.
  2. Allow for about 18 inches of space between sage and Alchemilla mollis to ensure both plants have enough room to flourish.
  3. Water the sage moderately, as it prefers slightly drier conditions, similar to Alchemilla mollis after it’s established.
  4. Prune sage in early spring to promote a bushier growth pattern and prevent it from overshadowing its companions.

Sage’s ability to thrive in similar conditions as Alchemilla mollis and its pest-repellent properties make it an ideal companion in the garden. Dive deeper into the benefits of planting sage with other garden favorites in our article here.

Bad Companion Plants for Alchemilla Mollis

Roses

While roses are undoubtedly beautiful and a garden favorite for many, they are not the best companions for Alchemilla mollis. Roses require a different soil pH and nutrient levels compared to Alchemilla mollis. Additionally, the dense foliage of roses can trap moisture, increasing the risk of fungal diseases for plants nearby.

• Avoiding Planting Together:
  1. Keep roses at a distance from Alchemilla mollis to prevent competition for nutrients and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
  2. Ensure both plants have adequate space for air circulation to minimize humidity and fungal growth.
  3. Consider planting them in separate areas of the garden where each can thrive under its preferred conditions.

Roses have their specific needs, which might not align well with those of Alchemilla mollis, making them less than ideal neighbors in the garden.

Ferns

Ferns prefer shady, moist environments and can outcompete Alchemilla mollis for water and space in such settings. Their vigorous growth and extensive root systems can overwhelm the more delicate Alchemilla mollis.

• How to Manage:
  1. Plant ferns in a different part of the garden where their aggressive growth won’t impact Alchemilla mollis.
  2. Use barriers or planters to contain the spread of ferns if they are to be grown in proximity.
  3. Focus on providing Alchemilla mollis with enough sunlight and space to grow without the shadow of larger fern varieties.

Ferns can make for a lush garden backdrop, but their growing conditions and habits may not always be compatible with those of Alchemilla mollis.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, with their large roots and need for ample water, can overshadow and outcompete Alchemilla mollis in the garden. They also prefer slightly more acidic soil than Alchemilla mollis, which can lead to nutrient imbalances.

• Best Practices:
  1. Allocate separate areas in your garden for hydrangeas and Alchemilla mollis to avoid competition.
  2. If planted in the same bed, ensure adequate spacing and monitor water distribution to meet both plants’ needs.
  3. Adjust soil pH in specific areas to cater to each plant’s preference without adversely affecting the other.

Though hydrangeas are stunning, their needs can clash with those of Alchemilla mollis, making them challenging to grow together successfully.

Companion Planting Chart for Alchemilla Mollis

Below is a comprehensive chart detailing both good and bad companions for Alchemilla mollis. This chart encapsulates the essence of creating a harmonious and thriving garden space.

Good Companions	Benefits
Nasturtium	Attracts pollinators, acts as a trap crop
Geranium	Repels unwanted insects, shares similar growing conditions
Lavender	Deters common pests, adds visual and aromatic appeal
Marigold	Protects against nematodes, adds color
Chives	Deters aphids and beetles, culinary uses
Foxglove	Attracts pollinators, adds vertical interest
Basil	Repels harmful insects, enhances growth of companions
Sage	Deters pests, thrives in similar conditions

Bad Companions	Reasons
Roses	Different soil pH needs, disease risk
Ferns	Competitive growth, moisture competition
Hydrangeas	Large roots, water competition

This chart aims to guide you in making informed decisions about which plants to pair with Alchemilla mollis for a healthy, vibrant garden. Remember, the right companions can enhance growth, deter pests, and create a visually appealing garden space, while incompatible plants can hinder growth and health.