Overview
Erodium macradenum is a perennial in the genus Erodium, part of the Geraniaceae family. Erodium macradenum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and alpine gardens. It is native to Pyrenees.
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
In the garden
Erodium macradenum belongs to the geranium family and originates from the Pyrenees; in the UK it flowers from May to September. Its growth and flowering period make it a useful component where season-long floral presence is wanted in open, stony planting. Position Erodium macradenum in a south-facing, sheltered spot where soil drains freely. It performs under full sun and will tolerate partial shade; avoid winter waterlogging by choosing sandy or loamy substrate and ensuring a free-draining planting pocket. The species prefers neutral to alkaline conditions and suits dry to medium soil moisture rather than consistently wet soil. H7 hardiness means it is fully hardy through typical UK winters when sited in a protected aspect. Use plants in rock gardens, alpine troughs or at the front of mixed borders where a low-growing perennial that blooms through the summer months is needed. Give each plant a free-draining niche among gravel or grit so crowns do not sit wet in winter, and you will get the best long-season display from May to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Erodium
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Erodium macradenum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, alpine gardens
- Native to
- Pyrenees
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erodium macradenum
- Cultivation
- requires well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Erodium macradenum?
Requires well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Erodium macradenum?
Erodium macradenum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Erodium macradenum need?
Erodium macradenum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Erodium macradenum?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Erodium macradenum hardy in the UK?
Erodium macradenum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Erodium macradenum?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Erodium genus
- Erodium Reichardii RoseumStork's-bill
- Erodium x variabile 'Joe Elliott'Stork's-Bill
- Erodium carvifoliumcaraway-leaved heron's bill
- Erodium trichomanifoliumHeron's Bill