Species Western Lady's Mantle
lime-green leaves on white-beige stems

Western Lady's Mantle

Aphanes occidentalis

Western Lady's Mantle is a small plant native to southwestern North America. It is a low-growing sub-shrub with small, yellow-green flowers and produces clusters of red-brown fruit. The plant grows in dry areas, often near streams, and tolerates partial shade. The Western Lady's Mantle has dense, fine-textured foliage with lobed, serrated, and hairy leaves. Its leaves are a distinctive gray-green color and can be up to 6 cm in width. This herbaceous plant is a popular choice for rock gardens and traditionally used in herbal medicines. It can also provide a welcome splash of color when planted in groups.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Western Lady's Mantle (Aphanes occidentalis) is best watered twice a week during the growing season,spring through fall.In the winter, water sparingly once a month.It prefers moist soil, so check the soil with your finger for moisture before watering. If the soil is still moist, you can wait to water. When watering, be sure to water thoroughly until water is seen to come out of the bottom of the pot. Do not allow the plant to stand in water.

sunlight

Western Lady's Mantle requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for it to thrive. This can come in the form of morning sun, when the sun is at its weakest and at its highest in the sky, or mid-day to mid-afternoon sun. During the peak of summer, the plant will benefit from having some level of shade present, as the sun's intensity can be too strong for its needs. When located in an area with more intense sunlight, the plant may need to be given some extra protection from the sun's rays to ensure it does not experience damage.

pruning

Western Lady's Mantle (Aphanes occidentalis) typically requires minimal pruning, and should only be pruned in early spring before any new growth emerges. Pruning at this time helps to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant, and to remove any dead or obviously damaged foliage or branches. It is not necessary to routinely prune Western Lady's Mantle as it does not require it to remain within a particular size or shape. However, if dead, damaged or diseased parts become apparent, they should be removed to promote healthy growth.