Pelargonium-flowered Stork's Bill (Erodium pelargoniflorum)

Pelargonium-flowered Stork's Bill

Erodium pelargoniflorum

Its geranium-like blooms carry soft pastel charm, a low-growing rock garden gem. Herbaceous perennial; common name: Pelargonium-flowered 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; thrives in bright, well-ventilated rock garden spots; tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Allow top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to 5°C; prefers cool temperate conditions; avoid prolonged heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped, softly hairy, with shallow lobes and serrated margins
  • Flower: Five-petaled, pink to lavender, resembling pelargonium blooms with darker purple veining
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, covered in fine, silvery hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid wetting foliage

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
  • Trim back leggy, overgrown stems in late summer to maintain compact mat form
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to improve airflow and appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental rock garden ground cover, container edge planting, alpine garden specimen