A hardy plant with velvety leaves and clusters of pink and white flowers; the austral storksbill is sturdy, but slightly less imposing than its namesake bird.
Named for how its flowers resemble a stork’s beak, you’ll find the storksbill in planter boxes around the city throughout Victoria, particularly on rocky hills and – like a stork – near the water, adorning sandy coastlines and bordering lakes. It would have once been a mainstay around Melbourne’s many creeklines and rivers.
Although it heralds from the Geraniaceae family, the storksbill is not a geranium – you can tell by its asymmetrical flowers, characteristic of pelargoniums (geranium flowers are symmetrical). These pretty posies bloom from October to March.
The storksbill will flower for a while, providing long feasts for insect pollinators and snacks for moth larvae. The roots are edible for humans, albeit a little bitter.
At home, the perennial pelargonium will grow in a pot and loves well drained soil and sun, but can die back in hot, dry conditions.
Coming soon
This native geranium is another valued plant for sustaining a healthy ecosystem for our native pollinators, and the roots of the austral storksbill were also eaten by Bunurong people.
‘Austral storksbill is one of those plants you might overlook at first - but once you notice it, you start seeing it everywhere. I like its soft, geranium-like leaves and pale pink flowers, and the way it quietly fills space in grassy and coastal areas. It’s resilient, adaptable and quietly beautiful - just the kind of local hero we need more of.’
‘This was planted around the White Oak at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. After the large oak tree spectacularly collapsed on Boxing Day 2019 it's fallen timber was repurposed into a beautiful sitting area surrounded by local indigenous plants. If you'd like to see how beautiful Melbourne's Flora can be go check out the White Oak (near Oak Lawn Gate), or the planting under the River Red Gum known as the "Cockatoo Tree" (just down the hill on Princes Lawn).’
'I was gifted one of these after a conference once and it was such a great addition to my garden. It brought all the native bees to the yard and reminds me of the geraniums in Nan's potted garden.'
‘Our native geranium, this is a great plant for the garden. Can be grown in different situations and is long lived. Another insect attracting plant and tend to flourish around rocks and logs.’
‘How fun - a plant with hairy leaves, fluffy seeds, lots of stipey flowers, and edible roots.’
'A very easy plant to grow. I'm not a consistent gardener, but even I can grow this plant successfully.'
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
