Mediterranean stork's bill
Erodium malacoides · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant mediterranean stork's bill: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Erodium malacoides
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Flower color
- Pale pink to mauve
- Adult size
- 15-40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, grow in mild regions or as an annual
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
Care
Light exposure
Place your stork's bill in full sun for generous blooming. A bright location with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily is ideal. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can help it tolerate extreme heat.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period, keeping the soil moderately moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter or during dry spells. Prefer watering at the base to prevent fungal diseases on the foliage.
Soil type
Well-draining soil is essential; enrich it with compost or potting soil to encourage growth. Erodium malacoides appreciates light, rather poor to moderately fertile soils, and tolerates chalky or slightly acidic soils well.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during flowering if the soil is poor. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Moderate feeding is sufficient for this undemanding plant.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young stems early in growth to encourage a compact, branching habit. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming. You can cut back the plant lightly after the first flush of flowers if it becomes too leggy.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The name 'Erodium' comes from the Greek 'erodios' (heron), as the fruit of this plant resembles a stork's or heron's beak. This seed dispersal mechanism is remarkable: the seed spreads by spiraling into the soil thanks to this spiral structure that contracts according to humidity. Ancient botanists called it 'Stork's bill' for this striking resemblance to the bird.
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.