Erodiums are also called Heron's Bills or Stork's Bills because of their very elongated seed pods, like the beak of such a bird. They are closely related to hardy Geraniums, and look very similar although they are generally smaller. Their requirements are again similar but they require better drainage.
Most Erodiums thrive in rock gardens or in containers with fast-draining soil, and remain more compact with full sun. Although they will grow quite well in mildly acidic soil, the will do much better with the addition of dolomite lime.
Erodiums will grow in well-drained perennial borders, with at least morning sun, but crown rot can become a problem in cold, wet winters. A layer of gravel or pumice around the plant crown will help to alleviate this problem, but really, selecting a well-drained spot from the beginning is the best way to go.
Erodium chrysanthemum is a very nice species bearing ferny leaves and primrose-yellow flowers. It is mainly listed as hardy to zone 7 but has been grown very sucessfully in much colder places, such as Saskatoon, SK (zone 2-3).
Like hardy geraniums, Erodiums are very long-blooming. Mine bloom from June to November. Trimming off old seed pods will help the plant produce more flowers, but it's not absolutely necessary if the plant is happy and in full sun.
Many of the Erodiums you will see in the garden stores are a very common type (Erodium reichardii or foetidum), sporting gorgeous lilac flowers, often veined with royal purple, and leaves of grey. These are gorgeous plants and if you have a rockery, they come highly recommended.
Great Erodium Links
A large collection of gorgeous photos of Geraniums, Erodiums and more. Each picture is large and many are works of botanical and photographic art.
An almost complete listing of Heron's Bills (those not listed are extremely rare) with links to very good pictures, showing the plants where they are growing. The pictures may not be as gorgeous as the previous site, but they are much more realistic and will give you growing tips just by looking at the soil and garden surroundings.
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