Bulletproof beauty (Erodium)
Once in a while an incredible new garden plant shows up at local garden centers, but you may not know just how great it is until you’ve tried it in your own garden. Golden storksbill is one of those wonderful new perennials that is a “must have” for just about every garden. It thrives in sunny conditions, but also proves quite happy in light shade, blooming nearly all season long wherever it’s situated. And it doesn’t mind neglect, either!
Its soft, silvery-green, ferny foliage first drew my attention because plants with grayish, finely-cut leaves usually do quite well here in our low precipitation, low-humidity climate (think yarrows, Russian sage). Once it gets its roots down deeper, golden storksbill takes off and flourishes in our hot days and cool nights. I’ve also found that the thick tap-root allows the plant to store extra water, helping it get through the hottest days of summer without missing a beat. Come fall and early winter, this hardy storksbill continues to provide interest until the temperatures become really severe. But once there’s a hint a spring in the air, it starts leafing out even before the daffodils appear!
Because it’s a lower, mounding perennial, use golden storksbill along the edges of borders, hellstrips, and in larger rock gardens. The soft, buttery-yellow flowers go well with just about anything, so no need to worry about mismatched or clashing colors. Golden storksbill is truly a three-season, hardy, adaptable, easy-to-grow perennial that deserves to be in every garden in our region!
View the plant profile here.
Golden storksbill (Erodium chrysanthum)
Perennial
Height: 8-10 inches
Width: 10-25 inches
Blooms: Soft yellow blossoms, April to late summer
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate to xeric (Little or no irrigation needed once established.)
Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9 (up to 8000’)
Culture: Most soils and exposures, but not wet or humid.
Thanks to Pat Hayward, Plant Select®, for writing this piece.
where is this plant available near Elizabeth Colorado
You’ll need to wait until next year to look for it. If you can’t find it at a local garden center, try ordering from Laporte Avenue Nursery next spring: http://www.laporteavenuenursery.com/html/catalog_e.html
I am growing this plant in Anchorage, AK and it is performing beautifully. After it’s first winter it has grown significantly and it is blooming now – end of May.
Ross, three years later I finally saw your question! Yes, we do. I love the fall color!
This is one of my all time favorite Plant Select Plants. It’s the simplicity of it (and the durability) that make it so wonderful! Do you have long enough fall seasons in Anchorage to experience it’s spectacular fall colors of reds, yellows and orange?
This is one of the hardiest erodiums for sure! It is very reliable here in central Ontario, zone 4.
Although based on Erodium chrysanthum, it is a hybrid. The true species is a much more intense yellow and with very yellow pollen. These are also erodiums that have separate male and female plants (dioecious) and all the plants available in North America are males, so no seed production is possible. This pale flowered hybrid also goes under the name of ‘Moonman’.
This sounds wonderful – but is it deer resistant? Just hoping!
Is anything really deer resistant? Kidding, yes this not likely to be eaten by deer.
Yes! They don’’t eat it!
Unfortunately, my deer didn’t get the memo. But, it’s such a wonderful plant that I’m willing to go out and spray it regularly to keep them at bay.
Is this plant squirrel resistant?
Probably, but I’m not sure. Please let us know. Thanks!
Love love love this ferny-beauty! Is it rabbit resistant?
Yes! Enjoy!