Natasha Stork's Bill (Erodium × kolbianum 'Natasha')

Natasha Stork's Bill

Erodium × kolbianum 'Natasha'

Delicate ruffled blooms bring soft cottage charm to borders. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common name: Natasha Stork's Bill.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; prefers cool to temperate growing conditions; protect from extreme summer heat above 32°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped, softly hairy foliage with shallowly lobed margins
  • Flower: Pale pink ruffled petals with darker pink central veining, clustered in loose umbels
  • Stem: Slender, hairy trailing stems that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during prolonged dry spells

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter

Banana peel tea:Chop 2–3 banana peels and steep in 4 liters of water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 before applying to soil surface to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through early summer
  • Trim back leggy stems in early spring to promote compact, bushy growth
  • Remove dead or damaged foliage in autumn to reduce overwintering disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; safe for handling and ingestion in small amounts

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover, rock garden plant, hanging basket filler