Erodium manescavii 'Flore Pleno' (Double Stork's Bill)
A charming alpine perennial with distinctive double pink flowers for long-lasting rock garden colour
Overview
Erodium manescavii 'Flore Pleno' is an exceptional hardy perennial that delivers months of delicate charm with its unique double pink flowers and attractive ferny foliage. This outstanding double-flowered form of the Pyrenean Stork's Bill forms compact clumps of deeply divided, aromatic leaves that become adorned with masses of distinctive pompom-like double pink blooms from late spring through to early autumn. This delightful plant offers exceptional garden value, combining both ornamental appeal and drought tolerance in a charming, low-maintenance package.
Key Features
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Flowering Period: May to September (exceptionally long flowering season)
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Mature Size: 25cm tall
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Spreading: 30cm
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Growth Rate: Moderate, establishing well in first season
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Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
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Soil Requirements: Well-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
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Aspect: Full sun to partial shade (full sun preferred)
Flowers
The standout feature of 'Flore Pleno' is its profusion of distinctive double pink flowers that resemble tiny pompoms or rosettes. Each bloom displays multiple layers of soft pink petals arranged in a fully double formation, completely different from the typical five-petalled single flowers of other Erodium species. The flowers are borne continuously throughout the growing season on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, creating a charming display that attracts bees and butterflies. The unique double form means the flowers are sterile and don't produce the characteristic long-beaked seedheads that give Stork's Bills their common name.
Foliage
The plant forms attractive clumps of deeply divided, ferny foliage that creates excellent textural interest throughout the growing season. The leaves are aromatic when crushed and form neat, compact mounds that provide the perfect backdrop for the pink pompom flowers. The semi-evergreen foliage retains its garden value through milder winters whilst dying back in severe cold.
Growth Habit
'Flore Pleno' is particularly noted for its compact, well-behaved clumping habit that forms neat mounds without becoming invasive. The plant maintains its tidy appearance throughout the growing season, making it ideal for formal plantings and small garden spaces where controlled growth is essential.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, plant in well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, reflecting its Mediterranean and alpine origins. Excellent drainage is absolutely essential as waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter, can prove fatal. Heavy clay soils must be amended with horticultural grit and organic matter, or consider raised bed cultivation for optimal results.
Light Requirements
Best grown in full sun but tolerates partial shade reasonably well. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain compact form and prolific flowering. Full sun positions produce the most abundant double blooms whilst maintaining the neat, clumping growth habit that makes this variety so garden-worthy.
Watering Needs
Once established, demonstrates excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal supplementary watering. These plants thrive in dry conditions and actually perform better with occasional drought stress than with consistent moisture. Excessive watering, particularly during winter months, causes more problems than water stress.
Planting
Plant from spring through early autumn, with spring planting providing optimal establishment time before winter. Space plants 25-30cm apart for individual specimens or closer for groundcover effects. Being fully hardy in most areas, it performs excellently in container cultivation and can be successfully grown in alpine troughs and raised beds.
Maintenance
The sterile double flowers require no deadheading as they don't set seed, making this an exceptionally low-maintenance perennial. Simply remove any damaged foliage in spring and divide clumps every 4-5 years if they become congested, though established plants can be left undisturbed for many years.
Feeding
Alpine plants perform best in lean, nutrient-poor soils and require minimal supplemental feeding. Over-fertilising leads to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering and can reduce the plant's natural drought tolerance. An annual light dressing of grit or sharp sand helps maintain ideal growing conditions.
Rock Gardens
Perfect for rock gardens where its compact habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for planting between stones and in crevices. The unusual double flowers provide extended colour whilst the ferny foliage adds textural interest to alpine plantings.
Alpine Troughs
Excellent for alpine containers and troughs where its neat habit and long flowering season make it a valuable specimen plant. The controlled drainage of container growing suits its requirements perfectly whilst allowing the charming double flowers to be appreciated at close range.
Border Edging
Delightful along border edges where its compact habit and continuous flowering create reliable colour ribbons. The neat growth won't overwhelm neighbouring plants whilst providing months of subtle pink colour.
Gravel Gardens
Thrives in gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings where its drought tolerance and extended flowering season make it particularly valuable. The well-drained conditions of gravel gardens suit its requirements perfectly.
Raised Beds
Perfect for raised beds where the improved drainage and closer viewing allow the charming double flowers to be fully appreciated. The elevated position also suits its preference for sharp drainage.
Companion Planting
'Flore Pleno' creates beautiful combinations with other alpine plants such as saxifrages, sedums, and small campanulas for authentic rock garden displays. Pairs well with silver-leaved plants like artemisia and lamb's ear, and combines effectively with other drought-tolerant perennials for low-maintenance Mediterranean-style gardens.
Potential Issues
Generally trouble-free and remarkably resistant to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions. The main concern is poor drainage leading to root rot, particularly in heavy soils or winter waterlogged conditions. Slugs may occasionally damage young growth in damp conditions.
Seasonal Interest
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Spring: Fresh new growth emerges with the first charming double pink blooms appearing in late spring
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Summer: Peak flowering period with continuous succession of pompom-like double flowers
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Autumn: Flowering continues well into autumn, often until the first frosts
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Winter: Semi-evergreen foliage provides some garden structure in milder areas
Hardy Zones and Regional Suitability
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RHS Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
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Temperature Tolerance: Suited for temperate climates, hardy in most UK conditions with good drainage
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Regional Notes: Performs exceptionally well in chalky, limestone regions and coastal areas
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Challenging Conditions: Excellent for dry, alkaline soils, exposed sunny positions, and drought-prone gardens
Erodium manescavii 'Flore Pleno' represents outstanding value for gardeners seeking unusual, long-flowering perennials with exceptional drought tolerance. Its distinctive double pink pompom flowers and exceptionally long flowering season set it apart from common garden plants, whilst the low-maintenance requirements and compact habit make it perfect for contemporary water-wise gardens. The combination of unique flowering, extended seasonal interest, excellent drought tolerance, and minimal care requirements makes this an exceptional choice for rock gardeners, alpine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking distinctive, reliable colour for challenging garden conditions.
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Buying Perennials from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our perennials after flowering and trim them back at the end of the season to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy perennials, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
From late autumn onwards and dependent on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
Perennials are described and classified differently by different gardeners but all would agree that they are plants that come into flower every year from early spring to late summer, the exact time dependent on variety and most die back to ground level in autumn and winter.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
Always check eventual plant heights when planning borders to ensure that the taller plants are at the back (or at the centre of an island bed) followed by the medium and then smaller low growing plants.
Remember to deadhead perennials after flowering, trim back lightly in autumn as required to tidy the border and if necessary trim again in spring once the risk of heavy frost has passed.
If perennials get too big, start to flower less and less or if it seems to be dying off from the centre, consider dividing the plant but always check that the particular variety is happy to be divided and that you divide at the right time of year for the plant.
By using this simple guide and a little time, perennials can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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