How to Grow Ivy Geranium

Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium peltatum

flower

Ivy geranium is a trailing, succulent-leaved perennial prized for its cascading habit and clusters of colorful flowers. It features thick, ivy-like foliage and blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and bicolors. Ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes, it thrives in warm conditions and requires minimal maintenance.

Looking for a specific variety?

Balcon Imperial Balcon Rose Tavira Summer Showers Volcano Scarlet

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for best blooming; tolerates partial shade but may reduce flowering

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Water: Water when soil surface is dry to the touch; allow drying between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first flowers from transplants

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as in nursery pot; sow seeds 0.25 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil or sandy loam

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones

10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 cotyledons and first true leaves emerging

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping off.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and thick, succulent ivy-like leaves; trailing habit becomes apparent

Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent soil moisture. Begin light feeding.

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at stem tips, forming tight clusters (umbels); foliage remains healthy and full

Reduce watering slightly. Feed with balanced or higher-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming.

Flowering

4-6 months or more

Abundant clusters of flowers open in various colors; plant may produce continuous blooms for months

Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to promote continuous blooming. Water when soil is dry. Feed every 2-3 weeks.

Senescence/Dormancy

2-3 months

Flowering slows in winter or under stress; plant enters slower growth phase

Reduce watering and feeding. Cut back overgrown stems by one-third. Move indoors in cold climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Petunia Verbena Bacopa Calibrachoa Scaevola Dusty Miller Ivy

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas Fennel Aromatic herbs in containers (may compete for nutrients)

Common Pests

Spray with water to remove; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity.
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Hand-pick affected buds. Use spinosad or neem oil if severe.
Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if necessary.

Uses

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Scented Geranium Varieties

Culinary

While Ivy Geranium itself is not typically used culinarily, scented-leaved geranium relatives are used to flavor teas, baked goods, and beverages. The flowers and leaves contain aromatic compounds. [source]

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Container Gardening & Landscaping

Household

Ivy geranium's trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, raised containers, and as spillover plants in mixed containers. Its long stems can reach 3-4 feet, creating dramatic cascades. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Geranium species have been used in traditional medicine for astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Leaf extracts contain tannins and other bioactive compounds, though Ivy Geranium is primarily ornamental. [source]

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Flower Pressing & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The delicate flower clusters press beautifully for dried arrangements, craft projects, and botanical art. Flowers retain color reasonably well when dried. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Ivy geranium flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, providing nectar and pollen as food sources during blooming season. It supports beneficial insects in container gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ivy geraniums are grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching them off at the base to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back long trailing stems in early spring to maintain shape and fullness.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ivy geranium has succulent-like thick leaves that store water, making it drought-tolerant and perfect for forgetful waterers—it tolerates dry conditions far better than other flowering container plants.
🌱 The plant is native to South Africa, not Europe, despite its common name and European popularity as a container specimen.
🌱 Ivy geranium flowers come in single, double, and semi-double forms, with some varieties producing flowers with delicate ruffled edges or veining in contrasting colors.

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