Product Description:
These are trailing geraniums that tumble happily out of hanging baskets or containers to form cascades of flowers and foliage. Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) unfurls leaves that resemble ivy. The leaves are quite eye-catching and have a bright green hue. Ivy geraniums can grow up to three feet wide—or trail that far out of pots. The one drawback is that stems tend to be brittle and break easily, so it’s often unusual to get through an entire growing season without losing a stem piece or two. Protect against stem breakage by placing ivy geraniums, especially those in containers or hanging baskets. Place ivy geraniums where they’ll receive full sun most of the day. In hottest regions, it’s a good idea to protect plants from strong afternoon sun.
Light:
Full sun is necessary for good leaf color and flower production. Partial sun can help plants cope with high summer temperatures, but four to six hours is best for ample blooming.
Soil:
A loam or sandy loam provides the drainage and root aeration that ivy geraniums need. Having a rich soil is not as important as a loose, draining soil.
Water:
Ivy geraniums like regular watering, but not soggy conditions. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer:
Ivy geraniums are not heavy feeders, but a light, continuous feeding will increase the bloom count of the plants. A convenient way to provide these nutrients is by planting ivy geraniums in potting soil that is pre-enriched with fertilizer. These potting mixes will feed plants with a slow-release fertilizer for one full growing season.
Temperature and Humidity:
As a South African native, ivy geranium plants like moderate temperatures in the summer. A heat wave will not kill the plants, but flowering will slow or stop during the dog days of summer. You will know if the temperatures are unhealthily hot for ivy geraniums, as the new leaves may look pale or even white in response to the heat. Average to low humidity is best for thriving ivy geraniums. High humidity can set the stage for fungal disease.
Potting and Repotting:
When handling ivy geranium plants during the potting process, try to hold the plants by the root ball. Although succulent and thick, the brittle stems will snap off easily if you grasp the plant by the stem base, and you could end up losing several stems from breakage.
Pruning:
When your ivy geranium starts to look leggy, prune it back by about half. This will create a more dense, bushy plant, and will also spur a new flush of blooms. Old plants in frost-free areas can get woody, and may need to be cut back severely in the spring to rejuvenate plants.
Propagating Ivy Geranium:
It’s easy to propagate ivy geranium plants by cuttings, and this will yield plants that are identical to the parents. Take a two to three-inch cutting with scissors you have dipped in alcohol to sterilize.
