How to Grow Ivy-leaved geranium

Ivy-leaved geranium

Pelargonium peltatum

flower

Ivy-leaved geranium is a trailing perennial known for its cascading habit and clusters of colorful flowers resembling those of zonal geraniums. Its ivy-shaped leaves are glossy and somewhat succulent, making it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers. This plant is tender in cold climates but thrives as a summer annual or year-round houseplant.

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Tornado Ville de Paris Balcon Imperial Gracile Summertide Amethyst

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in bright conditions

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Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal issues.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart for multiple plants; individual plants need room to trail 18-24 inches inches

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

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Planting depth: Transplants at soil surface; seeds surface-sown or barely covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil or light loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Avoid heavy clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Perennial in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or tender perennial elsewhere

10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, still developing root system

Provide bright, indirect light; keep soil lightly moist; ensure excellent drainage to prevent damping-off disease

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Trailing stems with ivy-shaped leaves rapidly elongating; no flowers yet

Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier, fuller growth; maintain consistent watering and bright light; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer

Budding & Flowering

6-12 weeks or more

Umbels of buds form at stem tips; flowers open in red, pink, white, lavender, or bi-colors

Shift to higher phosphorus fertilizer (bloom formula) to encourage flowering; deadhead spent flowers; maintain good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage

Continued Bloom

6-16 weeks or seasonal

Continuous flowering with trailing stems fully established; plant reaches mature size

Continue deadheading to extend bloom; reduce nitrogen fertilizer; water moderately; reduce winter watering if indoors

End of Season / Dormancy

Variable; 2-3 months before frost or year-round indoors

Growth slows; flowering may diminish in cold or short-day conditions if grown as annual

In cold climates, dig up and pot for winter indoors or allow frost to kill; in mild zones, prune back by 1/3 to rejuvenate; reduce watering and fertilizer

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Petunias Verbena Bacopa Licorice plant (Helichrysum) Million bells (Calibrachoa) Dusty miller Dracaena or other foliage plants

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent heavy watering Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) - attract similar pests Aromatic herbs that may inhibit growth

Common Pests

Hand-pick buds; use pheromone traps; spray neem oil or spinosad on buds; remove affected flower buds immediately
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; isolate infested plants; use yellow sticky traps
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide or neem oil if severe; ensure good air flow
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate plant; dab colonies with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab
Spray with water to remove; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected leaves; reduce humidity; apply fungicide if needed

Uses

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Ornamental garnish

Culinary

The flowers are edible and can garnish desserts and salads, offering a mild, slightly tangy flavor with no toxicity. [source]

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Container & hanging basket display

Household

Ivy-leaved geranium's trailing habit makes it ideal for cascading arrangements in containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, and vertical gardens. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Pelargonium species have been used in folk medicine for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Cut flowers & floral arrangements

Craft

Individual flower clusters can be cut and used in small bouquets and vase arrangements, though they are more delicate than zonal geraniums. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden ecosystems and beneficial insects. [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-leaved geraniums are ornamental flowers, not harvested for yield, but deadheading (removing spent flowers) extends blooming. Pinch or cut stems as needed to maintain desired shape and size. If growing for seed, allow some flowers to set seed pods and collect when dry.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ivy-leaved geraniums are native to South Africa and belong to the genus Pelargonium, which is distinct from hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.) common in perennial borders.
🌱 The plant gets its name from its ivy-shaped leaves, which are smaller and more delicate than those of zonal geraniums, and its glossy, somewhat waxy texture helps reduce water loss.
🌱 Unlike many geraniums, ivy-leaved varieties are notoriously susceptible to geranium budworm in warm climates, and experienced gardeners often sacrifice some flower production to manage pest pressure naturally.

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