Pelargonium peltatum
Pelargonium peltatum is the ivy geranium used for cascading color in hanging baskets and window boxes. It produces long, branching stems with somewhat fleshy leaves that tolerate bright sun. Clusters of single to double blooms appear through the warm season when nights are cool. It grows best in full sun to part shade with excellent drainage. Plants are frost tender and are grown as annuals in most of North America. Regular pinching keeps the plant dense and prevents legginess. Flowering can slow during stretches of hot, humid weather.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Ivyleaf geranium
- Height × spread: 12 to 24 in × 18 to 36 in (30 to 60 cm × 45 to 90 cm)
- Bloom window: Late spring to fall; best with cool nights
- Color & flower form: Cascading clusters of single to double blooms in red, pink, salmon, violet, and white
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: Zones 10 to 11; grown as annual elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Species; unknown; South Africa
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Trailing habit for baskets and window boxes rather than upright bedding.
• Best flowering occurs when nights are cool.
• Foliage is somewhat succulent and tolerates brief dryness better than many bedding types.
• Less tolerant of prolonged heat and humidity than hardy geraniums.
Strengths
- Natural cascading habit suits containers and ledges.
• Flowers well with good light and routine deadheading.
• Performs in full sun to part shade.
• Easy to shape by pinching.
Care in one minute
- Place in full sun where summers are mild; give afternoon shade in hot inland sites.
• Use a well‑drained potting mix with neutral to slightly alkaline reaction.
• Water when the top inch of mix dries; do not leave pots standing in water.
• Feed lightly every 3 to 4 weeks in containers.
• Pinch stems and remove spent clusters to keep plants dense and blooming.
• Overwinter indoors in bright light before frost or restart from cuttings.
Watch‑outs
- Stems become leggy without regular pinching.
• Overwatering can cause edema and root rot; ensure sharp drainage.
• Tobacco budworm and whiteflies may appear.
• Frost sensitive and must be protected from cold.
Best uses (tags)
containers; hanging baskets; window boxes; borders
Provenance note
Native to South Africa, ivy geraniums became popular trailing ornamentals in European and North American gardens.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Pelargonium peltatum
- NC State Extension – Pelargonium peltatum
- UF/IFAS Extension (FP458) – Pelargonium × hortorum cultural timing as context
- ASPCA – Geranium (Pelargonium species) toxicity to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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