How to Grow Trailing Ivy Geranium

Trailing Ivy Geranium

Pelargonium peltatum

flower

Trailing ivy geranium is a tender perennial known for its cascading stems with ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. It's a favorite for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardening due to its graceful spreading habit and long blooming season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Taverna Scarlet Antique Rose Crocodile Summer Showers Eclipse Burgundy

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering as it causes root rot. Water at soil level, not overhead. In winter, reduce frequency.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart (centers); allow 24+ inches for mature spread in hanging baskets inches

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

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery container; seeds surface-sow or cover lightly with 1/8 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost or aged bark Perlite for improved drainage Avoid heavy clay or water-retentive soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual elsewhere or brought indoors during winter

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny leaves emerge; plant is delicate and compact

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bright, indirect light; maintain 65-75°F. Thin crowded seedlings.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Stems lengthen and spread; ivy-shaped leaves develop; plant becomes bushy and trailing

Pinch back growing tips early to encourage fuller, bushier growth. Move to full sun. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Budding

1-2 weeks

Flower buds form at stem ends; plant energy shifts toward reproduction

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to higher-phosphorus formula to support flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Remove any diseased leaves.

Flowering

4-5 months (spring through fall)

Clusters of 5-petaled flowers bloom in various colors; flowering is abundant and continuous in good conditions

Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with bloom-boosting formula. Water consistently; do not let soil dry out completely.

Dormancy/Winter

3-4 months

Growth slows significantly; fewer flowers appear; plant enters semi-dormant state

In cold climates, bring indoors before frost. Reduce watering and fertilizing. Place in cool location (50-60°F) with bright light. Prune lightly in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Petunias Verbena Bacopa Sweet potato vine Dusty miller Calibrachoa Calibrachoa

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (if using same potting mix, as they attract similar pests) Heavily fertilized aggressive growers that compete for nutrients

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil weekly; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil every 7-10 days
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; isolate infested plants
Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) early morning or evening
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray; introduce beneficial insects

Uses

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Edible flowers for garnish

Culinary

Ivy geranium flowers are safe and attractive garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. They add a mild floral, slightly peppery flavor and vibrant color to dishes. [source]

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Hanging baskets and container displays

Household

The cascading growth habit makes trailing ivy geranium ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and elevated planters. It creates elegant, continuous coverage for months. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

Stems and flowers are long-lasting in vases, making them popular for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets. They add texture and color to mixed compositions. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Pelargonium species have been used traditionally to support respiratory health and boost immunity. Leaves and flowers contain compounds with antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the blooming season, providing nectar and supporting garden pollinators. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when blooms are fresh; cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower leaves before placing in water. Deadhead regularly (remove spent flowers) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Trailing ivy geranium was first cultivated by the Victorians in the 1800s and became a beloved ornamental houseplant throughout Europe.
🌱 Unlike zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums have smooth, ivy-like leaves with a waxy coating that helps them tolerate drier air and variable moisture better.
🌱 The plant naturally produces geraniol and linalool, aromatic compounds also found in roses and lavender, giving it a subtle fragrance when foliage is brushed.

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