A charming ground-hugging perennial, Erodium × variabile ‘Album’ forms neat mats of finely divided green foliage topped with delicate white, geranium-like flowers. Blooming from late spring through to autumn, this variety adds a soft and subtle beauty to rockeries, alpine beds, gravel gardens, and the front of borders. Despite its dainty looks, it’s tough, low-maintenance, and well suited to sunny, dry spots.
Erodium × variabile ‘Album’, commonly known as White Alpine Geranium or White Heron’s Bill, is a naturally compact hybrid ideal for adding long-season colour and texture to small spaces.
Perennial
Mat-forming, Flowering, Spring–Autumn Interest
Flowers: May–September
Foliage: Year-round in mild winters (semi-evergreen)
Scientific Name
Erodium × variabile ‘Album’ (genus from Greek erōdios, meaning heron – referring to the beak-like shape of the seed pods)
Synonyms
None widely used
Common Name
White Alpine Geranium, White Heron’s Bill
Origin
Hybrid of Erodium reichardii (Corsica, Balearic Islands) × Erodium pelargoniflorum (Turkey)
Pruning Tips
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Trim lightly after flowering to tidy growth or reshape as needed.
Wildlife Value
Flowers attract bees and other small pollinators.
Positioning
Full sun preferred, though it can tolerate light shade. Ideal for alpine troughs, gravel gardens, walls, and the front of borders.
Water
Water regularly until established. Thereafter, it tolerates dry conditions well, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, gritty or sandy soil. Avoid heavy or waterlogged ground, especially in winter.
Food
Feed sparingly – a light application of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient for good flowering.
Pet-safe
Non-toxic and safe for pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
Perfect for softening the edges of containers or stone paths – try planting in crevices or between paving for a delicate, naturalised look.
