Troubleshooting
Alpine Heron's Bill problems — and how to fix them
Alpine Heron's Bill (Erodium reichardii) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Winter wet rot
Standing moisture in winter causes rapid root and crown rot; prioritise drainage over cold protection — the plant tolerates hard frost far better than wet soil.
Slugs and snails
Young growth emerging in spring is particularly attractive to molluscs; use iron phosphate-based pellets or copper tape around container plants.
Prevent alpine heron's bill problems before they start
Most alpine heron's bill issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Alpine Heron's Bill problems — FAQ
Why is my alpine heron's bill winter wet rot?
Standing moisture in winter causes rapid root and crown rot; prioritise drainage over cold protection — the plant tolerates hard frost far better than wet soil.
Why is my alpine heron's bill slugs and snails?
Young growth emerging in spring is particularly attractive to molluscs; use iron phosphate-based pellets or copper tape around container plants.