Common stork's-bill (Erodium ciconium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Common stork's-bill on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Common stork's-bill
Erodium ciconium, commonly known as Stork's-bill Geranium, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family, valued for its finely divided delicate foliage and small pink to mauve flowers. Its common name refers to the stork's beak-like shape of its fruits. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edges, or as a filler plant in naturalistic gardens, adding a wild and charming touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region and Middle East.
Care tips
It prefers full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soils, preferably sandy or calcareous, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, and more frequent during dry periods. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can promote more foliage than flowers, and ensure it has enough space for its sprawling growth.
How to save a dying Common stork's-bill
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or dry-edged leaves; stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not soggy soil) and sun exposure (prefers full sun).
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or extreme drought in summer.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotted or dried; act quickly.