Erodium variabile (Erodium x variabile): plant profile

Scientific classification

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Geraniaceae

Order

Geraniales

Genus

Erodium

Species

x variable

Key information

Description

A small, perennial herbaceous plant with a ground-covering habit, suitable as a ground-cover plant to create dense mats of soft foliage dotted with numerous pink flowers with a slight fuchsia tinge. Also ideal for rockeries, window boxes and planters.
Hardy; once properly established in its new planting site, it has low water requirements and tolerates both summer heat and winter cold, provided it is grown in well-drained soil.

Origin and history

Origin and distribution

A hybrid resulting from a cross between E. corsicum and E. reichardii.

The botanical genus Erodium comprises around 60 species native to the temperate zones of Eurasia, as well as the south-western and central-southern United States and South America.

Main features

Leaf

The leaves have a lobed blade that is slightly hairy.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, harmonising with the shade of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.1 and 0.15 m, making it suitable for creating dense ground cover.

Lifespan

A perennial herb, evergreen or semi-evergreen.

Where to plant

Versatile; given its size and the shape it develops, it is well suited as a small plant for flowerbeds, balconies, borders, window boxes, rockeries, terraces and outdoor planters.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with two-coloured, slightly veined petals. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 30 and 60 days. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A plant with vigorous, compact growth.

Plant habit

It develops an expansive, spreading habit.

Branching

Medium branching.

Growing conditions

PH

It requires a substrate or soil pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in spring or autumn, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the coarser clods to make the soil looser. To ensure proper drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a slight mound to form a raised bed.

Sun exposure

It requires a position in full sun to produce a profusion of flowers.

Ideal climate and temperature

It is a plant that thrives in a temperate climate.

The ideal temperature ranges from 18 to 28 °C during the growing season.

It tolerates winter cold and also withstands temporary summer drought well.

Use

Prised for its final effect, which resembles dense cushions of foliage dotted with numerous flowers in:
Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

Moderately hardy.

Soil

The soil should be of medium texture and well-drained. For growing in pots, use a good-quality potting mix, either specifically for geraniums or suitable for spring-flowering plants.

Difficulty

The fact that it is easy to grow and requires only a moderate level of maintenance makes the plant even more useful.

Growing tips

Here are some specific growing tips to help you achieve the best growth and flowering results in a flowerbed or planter:
Plants won’t flower in low light Keep the compost dry in cool weather It can also be planted in a flowerbed in full sun.

Combinations with other plants

It is suitable as a foreground plant in a composition with other ornamental plants such as Geum chiloense, Thymus serpyllum and Veronica spicata, following pre-defined design schemes established prior to planting, taking into account the height reached by each plant, its growth habit and the colour of its flowers.

Care and plant health

Planting

Plant at an average density of10 plants per square metre, taking into account the mature size of the plants.

Position each plant so that the root collar is above ground level and water after planting, taking care not to cause waterlogging.

Propagation

Erodium x variabile is propagated vegetatively by cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water, watering either by hand or via a drip irrigation system.

Immediately after transplanting, water regularly and adjust the frequency according to the plant’s needs, taking care to avoid both waterlogging and periods of drought. Thereafter, keep the growing medium or soil slightly moist but free from waterlogging, as this can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant.

Do not water the plant from above during the afternoon and evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

During the coldest period, reduce watering.

Fertilising

This plant does not require much fertiliser.

Once the plant has become properly established in its new location, apply a fertiliser suitable for flowering ornamental plants or specifically for geraniums to the potting mix or soil during the growing season, diluting it in the watering can without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency of application.

Edibility and toxicity

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Expert advice

Tip

Due to its low, compact and spreading habit, it is suitable as a ground-cover plant as well as for use in the foreground of flowerbeds, including in mixed plantings – though care must be taken when selecting other ornamental species, as these must not outgrow and obscure it. It is also perfect at the base of trees or shrubs to create landscape effects. Ensure it receives plenty of light in well-drained soil, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Remove wilted flowers. In areas with harsh winters, it may go dormant, shedding its above-ground parts, only to regrow the following spring.