Bishop's Form Erodium × variabile 'Roseum'
ABOUT
The Erodium × variabile 'Roseum', commonly known as the Bishop's Form rose geranium, is a charming perennial plant that boasts a mound of deeply lobed, green foliage, providing a lush backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are soft to the touch with a slightly hairy texture, creating a dense mat that spreads nicely as ground cover. Above this verdant foliage, the Bishop's Form rose geranium showcases its attractive flowers on slender stalks. These blooms are a delicate shade of pink, with five rounded petals that are slightly veined, giving them a textured appearance. The overall effect is one of a soft pink cloud hovering just above the plant. Each blossom is also marked with fine, darker pink lines that converge at the center, guiding pollinators to the nectar and creating a subtle yet eye-catching contrast. Adding to its beauty, the plant exhibits a long flowering season, during which it continuously produces fresh, appealing flowers. The consistency of bloom ensures ongoing color and interest in the garden. Despite avoiding mention of the specific dimensions, it is evident that the Bishop's Form rose geranium presents itself with a neat and compact habit, making it an ideal plant for borders, rock gardens, and containers where its ornamental qualities can be fully appreciated without having to account for an overly expansive spread.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Geraniaceae.
Synonyms
Bishop's Form, Pink Cranesbill, Rose Geranium.
Common names
Erodium ‘Bishop’s Form’, Erodium x variabile ‘Bishop’s Form’, Erodium x variabile ‘Roseum’.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Erodium × variabile 'Roseum' is Bishops' hat. This plant is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity or poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant in humans. However, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming plants that are not explicitly known to be edible.
To pets
Bishops' hat, the common name for Erodium × variabile 'Roseum', does not have a known record of toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingestion of this plant by pets. As with any non-food plant, it is advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from ingesting Bishops' hat, as individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants that are not typical.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Roseum', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, adds ornamental value to gardens with its delicate pink flowers and attractive foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bishop's Hat is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Groundcover: The plant forms a dense mat that can help suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: Its blossoms attract butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems and pollination in the garden.
- Easy Care: Bishop's Hat is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in a suitable location.
- Soil Stabilization: The spreading habit and root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Tolerates a Range of Conditions: It is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a long blooming season from spring to summer, adding consistent color and texture over time.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some groundcovers, Bishop's Hat is not typically invasive and can be managed relatively easily.
- Border Planting: It can be used as a border plant to define edges of paths or garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erodium × variabile 'Roseum', commonly known as the Bishop's Hat, can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes to demonstrate hybrid plant varieties and their characteristics.
- The plant's dense growth habit can provide a natural habitat for beneficial insects, which can help in maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem.
- Bishop's Hat can be used in crafts, such as pressing the flowers for decorative artwork or inclusion in homemade paper.
- The ground cover capability of Bishop's Hat makes it suitable for erosion control in sloped gardens or areas prone to soil loss.
- With its attractive flowers and foliage, Bishop's Hat can be used in floral arrangements as a filler plant that adds texture and color.
- The plant may serve as a living mulch, providing soil shade that helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth.
- Bishop's Hat is suitable for rock gardens, providing an aesthetic cover between stones and enhancing the naturalistic setting.
- This plant can be employed in butterfly gardens as it can attract and support pollinators with its blooms.
- Erodium × variabile 'Roseum' can be utilized in sensory gardens for its soft foliage and visually appealing flowers, adding to the tactile and visual experience.
- The long blooming period of Bishop's Hat makes it ideal for container gardening where ongoing color is desired on patios or balconies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bishop's Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bishop's Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance - Erodium, also known in gardening circles as 'Bishop's Form', is a tough plant that can thrive in rocky or sandy soils, symbolizing the ability to persist through difficult conditions.
- Survival - Given its hardy nature, Erodium represents the strength and survival instinct required to overcome adversity.
- Adaptability - This plant's versatility in various soils and conditions makes it a symbol for adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Protection - The tough leaves and overall resilience of the Bishop's Form could be taken as a symbol of protection against life's harsher elements.
WaterThe Bishop's Hat should be watered deeply but infrequently, with the aim of keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water approximately once a week, providing about one gallon of water per square foot of soil. Reduce watering to once every two to three weeks during the cooler months, adjusting for rainfall, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightBishop's Hat prefers a spot with full sun to partial shade to thrive. It does best with at least six hours of sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deeply shaded areas where it may not flower as prolifically.
TemperatureBishop's Hat does well in temperature ranges between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can survive brief dips below freezing, prolonged exposure to temperatures under 25 degrees Fahrenheit may harm the plant. It thrives in the moderate climates found in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.
PruningPruning Bishop's Hat is typically done to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Lightly prune or pinch back the tips of the stems after flowering to keep the plant compact. It's best to prune in the spring or after the plant has finished blooming. Annual or biennial pruning is sufficient for this plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bishop's Hat prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and a bit of organic matter to retain some moisture. The ideal pH for this soil mix should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBishop's Hat does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years unless it outgrows its container before then. Repotting in spring can help the plant acclimatize to new soil without stressing during its active growth phase.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Hat thrives in average room humidity levels. While it tolerates a range of humidity levels, it prefers conditions that are not excessively dry and benefits from moderate ambient moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun and wind.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleErodium × variabile 'Roseum', commonly known as the Bishop's Form rose geranium, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, preferring well-drained soil and a position with full sun or partial shade. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of lobed, green leaves, from which stems grow and produce clusters of attractive pink flowers with purple veins, blooming from late spring to summer. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into distinctive, beak-like seed pods, which provide the genus Erodium with its common name, storksbill. As summer progresses, the plant may go dormant in regions with hot climates, reducing its growth until cooler conditions return. In autumn, the seed pods release seeds to the surrounding area, allowing the plant to self-sow and perpetuate its own growth cycle. Throughout its life, Erodium × variabile 'Roseum' can also spread via its shallow rhizomes, creating a denser mat of foliage over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Erodium × variabile 'Roseum', commonly known as the Bishop's Form or Heron's Bill, is typically propagated through seed or division methods. The most popular method of propagation for this perennial plant is by division, which is ideally done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the plant while trying to keep the root ball intact. The root ball is then gently pulled apart into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has several shoots and a good root system. These new clumps can be immediately replanted in a well-prepared garden soil, spaced about 6-8 inches apart (15-20 centimeters). Water the newly planted divisions regularly to ensure they establish well in their new location. This method of division helps to rejuvenate older plants while also increasing the number of plants in the garden.
