Propagating Alchemilla incisa: A Gardener’s Guide to the Cut-leaved Lady’s Mantle
Introduction:
Alchemilla incisa Buser, commonly known as Cut-leaved Lady’s Mantle, is a charming perennial valued for its deeply incised, almost fern-like foliage and delicate, chartreuse-yellow flower clusters. Its airy, graceful habit makes it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers. While readily available commercially, propagating Alchemilla incisa offers gardeners a rewarding challenge and the satisfaction of nurturing a plant from a cutting, division, or even (with some effort) seed. The potential for preserving specific genetic traits or expanding a treasured clump makes propagation particularly appealing.
Seed Germination:
Seed germination of Alchemilla incisa is possible but can be challenging. While some sources suggest direct sowing, success rates are often low due to the seed’s dormancy and the need for specific conditions. The main challenges include uneven germination, slow emergence, and low germination rates overall.
Practical Tips:
- Stratification: Cold stratification (a period of cold, moist storage) for several weeks or months before sowing is highly recommended to break seed dormancy.
- Sowing Techniques: Sow seeds thinly onto moist, well-draining seed compost. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid overwatering, which can lead to rotting. Gentle bottom heat can help speed germination. Keep the seedlings in a bright but not directly sunny location.
Rewards:
Successful seed propagation delivers high genetic diversity, creating the possibility of plants with slightly different characteristics. It also offers the potential for large-scale multiplication, ideal for commercial growers or gardeners aiming to establish a significant number of plants.
Cuttings:
Propagating Alchemilla incisa from cuttings is a more reliable method than seed propagation. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or early summer generally yield the best results.
Challenges:
The primary challenge lies in maintaining optimal humidity to prevent cuttings from drying out before rooting. Using a propagator or covering cuttings with a plastic dome significantly enhances success rates.
Practical Tips:
- Cutting Preparation: Take cuttings approximately 4-6 inches long, removing lower leaves to prevent rot.
- Rooting Medium: Use a well-draining, sterile rooting mix.
- Hormone Use: Applying a rooting hormone powder can significantly improve rooting success.
Rewards:
Cuttings efficiently produce genetically identical plants, preserving desirable traits. This is advantageous for propagating a particularly attractive variety or a plant with exceptional characteristics.
Division:
Division is perhaps the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Alchemilla incisa. Established plants can be divided in early spring or autumn.
Challenges:
Minimal challenges are associated with division. The main difficulty is ensuring each division has sufficient roots and shoots to establish successfully.
Practical Tips:
- Timing: Divide in spring or autumn, carefully separating the crown into several smaller sections.
- Planting: Plant each division immediately in well-prepared soil.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help establish roots.
Rewards:
Division is quick, efficient, and yields high success rates. This method is ideal for gardeners wanting to multiply a favourite plant quickly and easily.
Tissue Culture:
Tissue culture propagation of Alchemilla incisa is possible but typically reserved for commercial propagation or research purposes. It requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Challenges:
Tissue culture is a complex, technically demanding process requiring sterile conditions and specialized training. It necessitates an investment in equipment and the cultivation of sterile media.
Practical Tips:
This method requires specialized knowledge and is not suitable for amateur gardeners.
Rewards:
High rates of multiplication are achieved in a short period. It allows for the production of virus-free plants.
Conclusion:
Propagating Alchemilla incisa offers rewards commensurate with the challenges involved. While seed propagation presents a rewarding but less reliable option, cuttings and division provide simpler and more efficient methods for most gardeners. Tissue culture remains a viable option for mass propagation. The unique satisfaction of nurturing this charming plant from a cutting or division, witnessing its growth from a small piece into a thriving specimen, makes the effort well worthwhile. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks – persevere, and the beauty of your successfully propagated Alchemilla incisa will be a testament to your dedication.