Stork's Bill 'Sweetheart' (Erodium pelargoniflorum 'Sweetheart')

Stork's Bill 'Sweetheart'

Erodium pelargoniflorum 'Sweetheart'

Delicate rose-like blooms soften sunny borders with gentle pink hues. Low-growing evergreen herbaceous perennial; common name: Stork's Bill 'Sweetheart'.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon sun in temperate climates for optimal blooming
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Watering Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to 5°C; protect from frost in winter; thrives in cool to temperate daytime temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, fuzzy green leaves with deeply lobed, serrated margins
  • Flower: Pink, rose-shaped blooms with five petals and darker pink central stamens
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense, spreading mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use half-strength fertilizer to avoid overfeeding

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without root burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
  • Trim back leggy stems in early spring to promote compact, dense growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain a tidy appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for rock gardens, container edges, and border fronts