Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height:2.5cm/1in, width: 23cm/9in

Erodiums bear a close resemblance to their cousins the true geraniums or cranesbills. These are compact perennials, however, forming tufts or mats of small mid-green leaves studded with pink, white, or yellow flowers. They bloom throughout the summer.
GROWING Plant in spring in a sunny, sheltered position on well-drained, poor soil, preferably on the limy side.

PROPAGATION Take 5cm/2in basal cuttings in spring and insert in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame. Plant out in the autumn or - after overwintering in the cold frame - the following spring. E. chamaedryoides must be increased by root cuttings taken in early spring. Treat as basal cuttings, potting them up when 3-4 leaves have formed, and plant out in the spring.

SPECIES E. chrysantheam, reaches 15cm/6in, silvery fern-like leaves, sprays of acid yellow flowers; E. chamaedryoides, matforming, pink-veined white flowers; the variety `Roseum' bears clear pink flowers in late spring; e. corsicum, pink flowers in late spring, downy, soft leaves need protection from winter damp.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.