Alchemilla mollis 'Thriller' is an elegantly mounding perennial known for its scalloped velvety green foliage that captures dewdrops in sparkling beads. Soft chartreuse flower sprays emerge in early summer and are long lasting in the garden or as cut foliage filler. It creates a lush textural contrast in mixed borders and weaves gracefully between bolder perennials without overwhelming them.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils with good organic matter
Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates regular water in hot weather
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to slightly fuzzy foliage
Native Status
This species is native to the mountainous regions of southeastern Europe and is widely cultivated in temperate gardens around the world.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- The broad flower clusters are visited by small butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Small Tortoiseshells seeking nectar in early summer.
Bees
- Attracts a variety of bees including honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees who forage from its nectar rich clusters.
Moths
- Low growing foliage may shelter caterpillars of nocturnal moths and support their pupation in the garden understory.
Beneficial Insects
- The flowers and low canopy attract hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that help control aphids and soft bodied pests nearby.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow full mounding and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Effective along path edges, in cottage gardens, or at the base of taller perennials where its foliage can spill naturally. Blends well in soft color palettes or as a textural bridge between plants.
Companion Plants
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Adds vertical bloom spikes and edible foliage with a contrasting form.
- Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) - Offers dense trailing foliage and purple blue star flowers to contrast with chartreuse blooms.
- Heuchera villosa (Coral Bells) - Enhances the scene with richly colored foliage and delicate sprays of flowers.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Adds upright texture and deep purple blooms that intensify Alchemilla’s chartreuse flowers.
- Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium) - Provides fragrant foliage and ground cover quality while complementing Alchemilla’s bloom time.