Erodium chrysanthum (Yellow storksbill) — Clump forming

Overview

Erodium chrysanthum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Erodium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Erodium chrysanthum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and garden edging.

About

Erodium chrysanthum, commonly known as yellow heron's bill, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This alpine rockery plant reaches between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, taking 2 to 5 years to reach full size. It has deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun, favouring south- or west-facing aspects. Suitable for both exposed and sheltered sites, it grows best in well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soils with neutral to alkaline pH. Its seasons of interest include summer and winter.

About the genus

Erodium is a genus of flowering plants in the botanical family Geraniaceae. The genus includes about 120 species with a subcosmopolitan distribution, native to Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, and more locally in North and South America. They are perennials, annuals, or subshrubs, with five-petalled flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple, that strongly resemble the better-known Geranium (crane's-bills).

Wikipedia contributors, "Erodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erodium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Erodium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Erodium chrysanthum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Garden edging

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Erodium chrysanthum

Propagation: Division in spring, Basal stem cuttings in late spring to early summer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Erodium chrysanthum?

Erodium chrysanthum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Erodium chrysanthum need?

Erodium chrysanthum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.