The delicate yet hardy Alpine Stork’s Bill (Erodium reichardii) is a low-maintenance flowering plant perfect for containers. With its fern-like leaves and showy pink blooms this compact perennial can add a pop of color and texture to any outdoor space. Follow this guide for successfully growing Alpine Stork’s Bill in a pot.
Choosing the Right Pot
Select a container at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom. Alpine Stork’s Bill prefers gritty, well-draining soil, so a porous terra cotta or plastic pot works well. Use a quality potting mix made for succulents or flowering plants
Planting
Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen tangled roots, and place it in the center of the new container Fill with potting mix, firming it around the root ball. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
Sun and Location
Alpine Stork’s Bill thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place the pot in a sunny spot outdoors where it will get at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Bring it inside if temperatures drop below 40°F.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Stork’s Bill prefers slightly dry conditions between waterings. Allow excess moisture to drain fully from the pot’s drainage holes to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Look for options formulated for flowering plants. Discontinue fertilizing in winter.
Pruning
Pinch off spent blooms to prolong flowering. Trim any scraggly growth back to just above a leaf node to encourage bushy, compact growth habit.
Overwintering
In zones 7 and below, move the potted Stork’s Bill plant indoors before first frost. Place it near a sunny window and limit watering during this dormant period.
Propagation
Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring, just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Roots should develop in a few weeks.
Troubleshooting
Watch for aphids, mealybugs, powdery mildew, and other common pests. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Improve airflow to prevent mildew.
With the right care, Alpine Stork’s Bill makes a delightful addition to container gardens. Its wispy foliage and cheerful pink blooms will flourish with proper sunlight, water, and well-drained soil.
Erodium reichardii ‘Bishop’s Form’
Grows 3″h x 6″w. Bishop’s Form has deep green leaves that trail and hang as they spread. It has abundant pink blooms with defined veins, and flowers through June and July. Bishop’s Form is hardier than other Erodiums, and can tolerate Zone 6 temperatures.
Grows 3″h x 8″w. Charm has pink flowers with dark pink veins, and dark green scalloped leaves. It blooms from April to August. Hardy to Zone 7.
Varies daily, late April through October. Please contact us for current availability.
Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)
Genus: Erodium
Common Name: Alpine Geranium, Cranesbill, Heronsbill, Storksbill
Origin: The Mediterranean region has the most diversity of Erodiums, but members of this genus can be found in similar climates around the world.
Culture: Erodiums can succeed in nearly any spot in the yard, as long as they’re not in boggy soil or deep shade. They like sun and fast-draining soils, and should be planted 8-10” apart.
Established plants can be divided in the spring. In late spring, side shoots can be dug from the side of a mature crown. Be sure to include a small attached chunk of the parent crown with the side shoot.
Maintenance: Erodiums require very little in the way of maintenance. When they’re newly planted, they’ll appreciate warm-weather watering. Once established, they’ll take care of themselves, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy their beauty!
Pest and Disease: There are no pests or diseases common to Erodiums.
Erodium reichardii ‘Flore Pleno’
3″h x 8″w. This standout variety often has doubled blooms, and tends to have more and more as the plant becomes more established. It blooms from April to August. Hardy to Zone 7.
Grows 8″h x 18″w. This gorgeous species has creamy yellow flowers that bloom from April to October. The leaves are a dusty silver green, and have a more delicate, deeply cut shape than the reichardii varieties listed above. Hardy to Zone 7.
REDSTEM FILAREE California wildflowers, Erodium cicutarium; Common Stork’s Bill,Heron’s Bill,Pinweed
FAQ
Are alpines good for pots?
Does Erodium like sun or shade?
Can stock flowers be grown in pots?
Do alpine plants need a lot of upkeep?
Alpine plants come into their own here; a wide range can be grown in a limited space. They look great in rock gardens, raised beds and crevices. Low maintenance: Alpines are hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions. They don’t need much upkeep at all.
Can Alpines grow in plastic pots?
You can grow most alpines perfectly well in plastic pots, provided careful attention is paid to compost and watering. Some of the most difficult and desirable varieties grow best in clay pots plunged in sand. The clay pots don’t allow the plants to become waterlogged and also keep the roots cool.
Where do stork’s bills come from?
Most occur only in isolated locations. The broader Geraniaceae (geranium) family contains numerous species, both native and introduced. The plant’s common name “Stork’s Bill” references the shape of its seedpods, which resemble a stork’s open bill.
Do alpine plants like waterlogging?
In particular, alpine plants hate waterlogging and dislike soils that stay wet after rainfall. This means that most garden soils – but especially those with a high clay content – must be modified by the addition of drainage material. Depending on the soil, you may need to add up to 50% by volume of coarse grit sand or fine gravel.