Why Is My Alpine Storksbill Flower Growing Sideways?

If you’ve noticed your alpine storksbill flowers growing sideways instead of upright, you’re probably wondering what’s causing this unusual growth pattern As avid gardeners, we’ve seen this before with alpine storksbill (Erodium alpinum), and there are a few potential reasons your flowers are growing sideways.

What Causes Sideways Flower Growth?

There are a few factors that can lead to sideways alpine storksbill flower growth:

Insufficient Light

Alpine storksbill thrives in full sun If your flowers aren’t getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, they may start angling themselves towards the light, causing sideways growth This is the plant’s natural survival mechanism to maximize light exposure.

Make sure you’re planting alpine storksbill in a spot that receives sufficient sunlight. Morning sun is ideal, coupled with a little afternoon shade. If needed, prune back overhanging branches or vegetation that is blocking the light.

Strong Winds

Consistent windy conditions can also cause alpine storksbill flowers to grow on their sides The blooms and stems are slender and delicate, so wind pushes them sideways easily

Provide a windbreak for your alpine storksbill by planting taller flowers, shrubs or using a fence or trellis on the windward side. This will buffer the wind’s intensity.

Leggy Growth

If your alpine storksbill plant is becoming lanky and leggy with a lot of space between leaves along the stems, the stems are weaker. This makes them more prone to sideways flower growth when buds appear.

Cut back leggy growth to encourage bushier, compact plants. Make sure to provide optimal growing conditions including full sun, well-drained soil and regular water. This will lead to stronger stems and upright flowers.

Extreme Temperatures

Alpine storksbill prefers cool conditions and can suffer in extreme heat or cold. If exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures or intense midday heat, the stems and flowers may start to grow on their sides.

Try to plant alpine storksbill in a spot with some temperature moderation, like partial shade or next to a stone wall that absorbs daytime heat. Avoid hot, south-facing locations. Mulch the plant in winter for insulation from freezing.

Poor Soil Conditions

Compacted, clay soil or soil with poor drainage can stunt alpine storksbill’s growth. The roots struggle, so the plant becomes weakened and flowers grow sideways.

Make sure your alpine storksbill has nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Amend dense clay soils with organic compost to improve drainage. Avoid soggy, muddy areas.

How to Fix Sideways Flowers

If your alpine storksbill flowers are already growing sideways, there are a few tricks to fix them:

• Gently stake the main stems to provide support and train the flowers to grow upwards. Use small plant stakes and twist ties.

• Prune back any sideways growth to just above a leaf node and let the plant re-grow new, upright stems.

• Improve growing conditions like sunlight, wind protection, and soil. This will encourage stronger upright growth.

• Massage the soil around the roots to loosen compaction and improve drainage if needed.

• Consider moving the plant to a spot with better growing conditions if fixing the current location isn’t possible.

Preventing Future Sideways Growth

Once you’ve fixed existing sideways flower growth, make sure to provide optimal care to prevent it recurring:

• Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct morning sunlight.

• Shelter the plant from strong winds.

• Prune regularly to eliminate leggy growth and encourage bushy, compact plants.

• Water regularly during summer dry periods to keep soil evenly moist.

• Loosen and aerate the soil each season to improve drainage.

• Add an organic mulch layer around the plants to insulate roots and retain moisture.

• Monitor for pests like aphids that can weaken the plant and lead to sideways blooms.

Enjoying Your Alpine Storksbill

With proper care, your alpine storksbill will reward you with masses of pretty pink flowers on upright, strong stems all season long. The lacy green leaves also provide lovely texture and contrast to the blooms. This compact perennial thrives in rock gardens, borders, containers and more.

If you continue to battle sideways flower growth, consider testing your soil’s nutrient levels and drainage. An underlying issue like poor nutrition or compaction could be the culprit. Your local nursery or extension office can provide tips on improving stubborn soil.

With a little TLC and optimal growing conditions, you’ll be enjoying the upright beauty of alpine storksbill flowers in your garden. Let us know if you have any other questions! We’re always happy to help fellow gardeners succeed.