Storksbill 'Joe Elliott' Erodium × variabile 'Joe Elliott'

Water

Bishop's Form Erodium requires thorough watering when the soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week during active growing seasons, spring and summer. Water the plant deeply until water runs through the drainage holes to ensure the roots are sufficiently moistened, which might equate to roughly 1-2 gallons depending on pot size and environmental conditions. In the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week or when the soil is noticeably dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering. It is better to underwater slightly than to overwater, as this species is drought-tolerant.

Light

The Bishop's Form Erodium thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it could receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, while being protected from the harsh afternoon sun that could potentially scorch its leaves. East or west-facing gardens or windows are preferred spots, ensuring it gets plenty of light without the intensity of midday sun.

Temperature

Bishop's Form Erodium prefers temperate conditions and generally does well in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but frost can damage it, so it is best to protect it or bring it indoors during freezing weather. The ideal temperature range for promoting healthy growth and flowering is between 60°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Pruning the Bishop's Form Erodium helps maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote further blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back to just above a set of leaves or a growing node. Prune lightly throughout the year to remove dead or damaged stems and to deadhead, encouraging a tidy appearance and continuous bloom. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed to keep the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bishop's Hat, or Erodium × variabile 'Joe Elliott', thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix can be prepared by combining garden soil, peat, perlite, and compost in equal parts, which ensures adequate drainage and nutrient content. The ideal soil pH for Bishop's Hat is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Bishop's Hat does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years as long as it is not outgrowing its pot or the soil has not degraded.

Humidity & Misting

Bishop's Hat is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate ambient humidity. There is no specific humidity level required, but it should not be too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Bishop’s Hat in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Erodium × variabile 'Bishops Form', commonly known as Bishop's Form Storksbill, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, usually in the spring after experiencing a period of cold stratification which breaks their dormancy. Seedlings develop a deep taproot and rosettes of leaves, which are key for the survival of young plants as they establish themselves. As the plants mature, they send up flowering stems adorned with five-petalled pink flowers that are typically veined with darker markings, attracting pollinators and leading to the production of fruit. After pollination, fruits develop into distinctive beak-like seed pods that split open to release seeds when mature. This perennial plant can survive through winter, especially in mild climates, retreating back to its basal foliage before repeating the flowering cycle in the subsequent growing season. Bishop's Form Storksbill can also spread by sending out stolons, which are stem-like growths that root at nodes and create new plant clones.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Erodium × variabile 'Bishop's Form', commonly known as Alpine Geranium, is through division. This process tends to be done in spring or early fall to allow the plants time to establish before the extreme weather conditions of summer heat or winter cold. To propagate through division, the gardener gently lifts the plant from the soil and separates it into several smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has a portion of the root system. These clumps are then immediately replanted into moist, well-draining soil, at the same depth they were growing previously. It's important to water the new plantings thoroughly to help reduce transplant shock and to settle the soil around the roots.