Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) is a trailing tender perennial native to South Africa, named for its glossy, ivy-shaped leaves and its sprawling, cascading habit. Unlike upright zonal geraniums, it spills gracefully over the edges of pots, making it a favourite for hanging baskets, window boxes and balcony railings.
It bears showy clusters of single or double flowers in shades of pink, red, mauve, lavender and white, blooming heavily through the cooler months. In India it performs best in hill stations and during the winter season in the plains, where mild temperatures and bright light bring out its best flowering.
Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established, it rewards gardeners with months of colour and is readily propagated from stem cuttings.
Specifications
| Family |
Geraniaceae |
| Native region |
South Africa |
| Mature height |
20-30 cm (trails 60-90 cm) |
| Mature spread |
60-90 cm trailing |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Glossy, fleshy, ivy-shaped evergreen leaves |
| Flower colour |
Pink, red, mauve, lavender, white |
| Flower season |
Cooler months; winter to spring in the plains, longer in hill stations |
| Climate zone |
Cool to mild subtropical; ideal 10-25 C |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright light with 4-6 hours of morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in the plains. |
| Watering |
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil dries; avoid waterlogging. Drought-tolerant once established. |
| Soil / mix |
Light, well-drained potting mix with compost; add sand or perlite for sharp drainage. |
| Temperature |
Thrives at 10-25 C; struggles above 32 C and dislikes frost. |
| Humidity |
Prefers moderate to low humidity; dislikes high humidity which invites fungal issues. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing/flowering season with a balanced or high-potash liquid feed. |
| Pruning |
Pinch tips to encourage bushiness and deadhead spent blooms regularly for continuous flowering. |
| Repotting |
Repot every 1-2 years in spring; it flowers best when slightly pot-bound. |
| Propagation |
Easily from 8-10 cm stem cuttings taken in cooler months; roots in well-drained mix. |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for aphids, whitefly, caterpillars and botrytis/grey mould in damp, humid conditions. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to dogs, cats and horses (contains geraniol and linalool); can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive people. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Ivy Geranium is grown almost entirely as an ornamental for its long-lasting, colourful flowers.
- Hanging baskets, window boxes and tall pots where its trailing habit can cascade.
- Balcony and terrace railings, a favourite in hill-station gardens like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Shimla.
- Ground cover or edging in cooler regions.
- Seasonal winter colour in pots across the Indian plains.
Growing tips
In the plains, treat it as a cool-season plant: plant out from October-November for flowering through winter and spring, and move pots to a shaded, well-ventilated spot before the harsh summer (April-June).
In hill stations it can flower for much of the year. Always use a free-draining mix and terracotta pots to prevent root rot during the monsoon, and shelter plants from heavy rain. Pinch young plants and deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming.
