Alchemilla lapeyrousii: The Mystery Plant That May Not Exist
If you’ve stumbled across the name Alchemilla lapeyrousii in your plant research, you might be scratching your head – and for good reason! This botanical name appears to be something of a gardening mystery, with virtually no reliable information available about this supposed member of the Lady’s Mantle family.
What We Know (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Much!)
Alchemilla lapeyrousii belongs to the Alchemilla genus, which includes the beloved Lady’s Mantle plants known for their distinctive rounded, pleated leaves and delicate yellow-green flowers. However, this particular species name doesn’t appear in major botanical databases, gardening references, or scientific literature.
Here’s what we can confirm:
- It’s classified as a dicot (if it exists)
- It would theoretically belong to the Rosaceae family
- No reliable information exists about its native range, appearance, or growing requirements
The Plot Thickens: Is This Plant Real?
The lack of documentation for Alchemilla lapeyrousii raises some red flags. It’s possible that:
- The name is a synonym for another Alchemilla species
- It’s an outdated or invalid botanical name
- There was a typo or misidentification somewhere along the line
- It’s an extremely rare or localized species that hasn’t been properly documented
What Should Gardeners Do?
If you’re looking to add an Alchemilla species to your garden, we’d recommend sticking with well-documented options instead. The most popular and reliable choice is Alchemilla mollis (Common Lady’s Mantle), which offers:
- Beautiful, water-repelling foliage that creates stunning dewdrop displays
- Charming sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers
- Easy care requirements in most temperate gardens
- Excellent ground cover properties
- Attraction to beneficial insects
Alternative Lady’s Mantle Options
Instead of chasing the elusive Alchemilla lapeyrousii, consider these proven performers:
- Alchemilla mollis – The classic Lady’s Mantle, perfect for cottage gardens
- Alchemilla alpina – Alpine Lady’s Mantle, great for rock gardens
- Alchemilla erythropoda – Dwarf Lady’s Mantle, ideal for smaller spaces
The Bottom Line
While the mystery of Alchemilla lapeyrousii remains unsolved, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the wonderful world of Lady’s Mantle plants! Stick with documented species from reputable nurseries, and you’ll have much better success creating the garden of your dreams.
If you happen to have more information about Alchemilla lapeyrousii or encounter it in your botanical adventures, we’d love to hear about it. Until then, happy gardening with the Lady’s Mantle varieties we know and love!
