Overview
Erodium manescavii is a clump forming, trailing perennial in the genus Erodium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Erodium manescavii 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 flower borders and beds. It is native to western Pyrenees, France and Spain.
About
Erodium manescavi, called the garden stork's-bill, large purple storksbill, Manescau storksbill, Manescau heronsbill and showy heron's bill, is a species of flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae. Endemic to the western Pyrenees mountains, this plant occurs in France and Spain.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erodium manescavi
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, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Erodium manescavii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- western Pyrenees, France, Spain
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erodium manescavii
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Erodium manescavii?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Erodium manescavii?
Erodium manescavii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Erodium manescavii need?
Erodium manescavii 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.
How do I prune Erodium manescavii?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Erodium manescavii hardy in the UK?
Erodium manescavii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Erodium manescavii?
Seed, Division, Basal stem cuttings.
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