Germination: For best results, sow indoors, leaving seed uncovered and maintaining 65-68° F during germination, which takes 20-30 days. Sowing outdoors is not recommended. Blooms are borne sporadically the first season, with a bigger, better showing in the seasons that follow.

Growth: In spring, space 2 feet apart in sun to part shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep soil evenly moist and fertilize plants lightly. A. mollis is dormant in winter and should be covered with mulch for protection. It transplants easily and performs best with night temperatures of 58° F.

Appearance and Use: Dramatic as an edging, in borders, as a ground cover, or in a rock garden, Lady’s Mantle is also used in cut and dried arragements. Unusual lobed and hairy leaves are the main attraction of these low-growing, mound-forming plants, 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. Light green foliage, 4 to 6 inches across, is serrated and velvety soft. Sprays of small, starshaped blooms of yellow-green begin in May or June and continue all summer. The common name of Lady’s Mantle refers to folklore that the plant was used to adorn the Virgin Mary.