Erodium

Erodiums, also known as Stork's Bills or Heron's Bills, are pretty annuals, perennials or biennials from Europe, northern Africa, and the Near East. They grow from 3 inches to 2 feet high with a spread of 24 inches. E. manescavii forms mounds of blue green leaves, which are divided into deeply cut, serrated leaflets. The flowers resemble Geraniums and are produced in loose clusters of 5 to 20 throughout the summer. They are dark magenta-pink blotched with a darker shade. E. chamaedryoides has white flowers veined with pink. E. pelargoniflorum has white flowers speckled with purple.

Pot Cultivation

Stork's Bill's need moist, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position. In cold climates, the roots should be protected in the winter.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown in pans of sandy soil in the fall or spring. They may also be divided in the spring or semi-ripe cuttings may be taken in the summer.

E. manescavii

VARIETIES

• E. manescavii;
• E. chamaedryoides;
• E. macradenum;
• E. alpinum;
• E. chrysanthum;
• E. pelargoniflorum;
• E. corsicum;
• E. guttatum;
• E. petraeum.