Longbeak stork's bill
Erodium botrys · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant longbeak stork's bill: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 20-40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut and aromatic
- Hardiness
- Tender, frost-sensitive (mild climates)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Near East
- Growth
- Fast and bushy
Care
Light
Place in direct sun, minimum 6 hours per day. This plant thrives in warm, sunny locations to develop its aromatic foliage and encourage beautiful flowering. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excess water which promotes root rot. Reduce watering in winter or if the plant is dormant.
Soil
Prefers well-draining, light and relatively poor substrate. A mixture of potting soil and sand, or potting mix for Mediterranean plants, works perfectly. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young shoots to encourage a bushy and compact habit. Remove faded flowers regularly to extend blooming. Light pruning after flowering rejuvenates the plant and makes it more dense.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing period (spring-summer). Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Stop fertilizing in autumn-winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid environments, as well as spider mites. Excess stagnant moisture exposes the plant to root rot. Ensure good air circulation and practice moderate watering to prevent these issues.
Did you know?
Erodium botrys owes its name to its characteristic fruits resembling a heron's beak ('erodios' in Greek). Its finely cut and aromatic leaves have long been used in traditional Mediterranean medicine, though the plant is mainly cultivated today for its delicate pink or purple flowers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.