How to Grow Ivy-leaf Geranium

Ivy-leaf Geranium

Pelargonium peltatum

flower

Ivy-leaf geranium is a tender perennial with trailing, ivy-shaped foliage and cheerful clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. This heat and drought-tolerant plant is ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and cascading over raised beds. It thrives in warm conditions and provides reliable color throughout the growing season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Balcon Imperial Decora Lavender Galilee Dark Red Sybil Holmes Tavira Yale

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Water deeply when top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering and waterlogged conditions. Once established, quite drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants or containers inches

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

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds 1/4 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil or quality potting mix

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; grow as annual in cooler climates or bring indoors for winter

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves; very tender and vulnerable

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and good air circulation. Avoid fungal issues by not misting foliage.

Establishment

3-4 weeks

Young plants developing trailing stems and additional leaf clusters; still compact

Begin gradually hardening off before transplanting outdoors. Water when top inch is dry. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness if desired.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Vigorous trailing stems with ivy-shaped leaves; plant fills out nicely

Provide consistent water but allow soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly low-nitrogen fertilizer. Remove any dead or diseased foliage.

Flowering

8-12+ weeks (extends into fall/winter indoors)

Abundant clusters of blooms appear at stem tips; continuous flowering possible

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Maintain consistent watering and moderate fertilizing. Watch for pests attracted to flowers.

Dormancy/Overwintering

2-4 months

Reduced growth and minimal flowering; plant enters rest period in cooler months

Bring indoors before frost in zones below 9. Reduce watering significantly. Provide cooler temperatures (50-60°F) and bright light. Can rejuvenate and regrow in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Trailing petunias Bacopa Calibrachoa Sweet potato vine Dusty miller Verbena Lotus vine Senecio

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (may harbor pests) Plants requiring constantly moist soil

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; yellow sticky traps; improve air circulation
Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or miticide; increase humidity
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray
Remove affected leaves; sticky traps; spinosad spray if severe
Handpick affected buds; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); remove nearby weeds

Uses

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Container & hanging basket gardening

Household

Ivy-leaf geraniums are popular trailing plants for decorating patios, balconies, and entryways in containers and hanging baskets. Their cascading habit and long bloom season make them ideal for adding color to any outdoor space. [source]

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Fresh cut flower arrangements

Craft

The delicate flower clusters can be cut for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets. The blooms last several days in water and add charm to indoor displays. [source]

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Heat and drought-tolerant landscaping

Household

Once established, ivy-leaf geraniums are extremely drought-tolerant, making them excellent for xeriscaping and water-conserving garden designs in hot climates. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The bright flower clusters attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, supporting pollinator populations and beneficial insects in the garden. [source]

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Traditional herbal uses

Medicinal

Pelargonium species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Some geranium species are known for antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, though ivy-leaf geranium is primarily valued as an ornamental. [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-leaf geraniums are ornamental flowers grown for continuous blooms rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching them off just below the spent bloom to encourage more flowers. Cut back trailing stems by up to one-third in late winter to rejuvenate plants. For overwintering indoors, you can take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in fall and propagate them in moist soil to create new plants for spring.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ivy-leaf geraniums are native to South Africa and are not true geraniums—they belong to the genus Pelargonium, while true geraniums belong to the genus Geranium. The common name reflects their ivy-like leaf shape.
🌱 These plants can live for many years when properly cared for, with some specimen plants surviving 10+ years with annual pruning and overwintering. Many gardeners keep their favorite varieties alive by bringing them indoors over winter.
🌱 Ivy-leaf geraniums produce flowers in shades determined by anthocyanin and carotenoid pigments. Some varieties have bicolor or striped blooms, and newer cultivars offer double flowers with more densely packed petals.

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