Okay, so lady’s mantle has green flowers. (I once heard them described as “acid yellow” which I thought was compelling and apt). And, well, everyone sort of avoids green flowers because of the blob effect of green blooms on green leaves – most gardeners prefer the reds and the purples and the true yellows and so on, colours that make a statement in the landscape. But, in my opinion, lady’s mantle is one of the most reliable and beautiful perennial plants you’ll ever grow, well worth a spot among more flashy companions.
There are about 300 species of Alchemilla, of which the garden beauty Alchemilla mollis is one; legend has it that the genus name comes from the word “alchemists.” Apparently the dewdrops that gather on the leaves of lady’s mantle were purported to possess some sort of magical powers, and alchemists collected them so that they could divine the location of the fabled philosopher’s stone. (Uh, okay). Really, there does seem to be an unearthly beauty in the way water droplets bead on the foliage of the lady’s mantle; of course, it all has to do with the decidedly practical velvety soft hairs on the leaves. And while the flowers rise up in a sort of spray (much like baby’s breath) and make excellent fresh or dried cut flowers, they are insignificant compared to the gently scalloped, warm green, slightly fuzzy foliage that mounds PERFECTLY. This is the tidiest plant I’ve ever seen, hands down. I hardly ever have to deadhead it; I’m not sure I’ve ever removed a brown leaf in five years. Lady’s mantle is so low maintenance you nearly forget about it…until it rains or we have a rare heavy dew. Then it really sparkles. I’ve got it set between a riot of feathery blue flax (Linum perenne), sunny yellow flax (Linum flavum compactum) and the tall spikes of purple-blue Salvia superba. The combination is absolutely stunning. Don’t be dissuaded by green flowers – this may just be the best perennial you’ll ever plant!
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Flowery Prose 
Granted the leaves do look lovely with the water droplets on them. I can see your point how they would be lovely because of their green foliage with other colors beside them. However, that being said, I still prefer more colorful foliage because it isn’t ALL green. But I must say that this green plant is lively in its own way. Thanks for the writeup! Always good to hear about these plants and their dos and don’ts. Keep on writing!!!
Thanks for your comments! I should have also posted a photo of the plant in full bloom, to show the fantastic green flowers. I’m just enamoured with the water droplets on the leaves!