Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Pelargonium peltatum
Also known as
Ivyleaf Geranium, Hanging Geranium, Cascading Geranium, Ivy leaf pelargonium, Geranium
Pelargonium peltatum 9191s by JonRichfield (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | 2m |
30cm | Min | 1m |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium Overview
The Ivy-leaved Pelargonium is a water-wise, succulent-like climber with dark green ivy-shaped leaves and showy, attractive flowers. This attractive plant naturally occurs along the coastal areas of South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape as a succulent shrub. This plant is used extensively in horticulture as hanging baskets and garden plants, being both ornamental and traditionally medicinal.
Common problems with Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Pests include caterpillars, whiteflies and aphids. Diseases include fungal infections, oedema, stem and root rot.
Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium Companion Plants
Scabbiosa incana, Helichrysum sp (groundcover). Myrsine africana, Chasmanthus sp,
How to harvest Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Harvest the leaves just before winter, make sure they are not wet when harvesting. These are not cutting-flowers, so there is almost no use in harvesting flowers except for medicinal use.
How to propagate Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Seed
Seed can be sown in a well-drained soil mix. Sowing time is in Autumn. Sow 2-3mm deep. Germination time is 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Semi-mature stem cuttings are taken from young healthy growth and placed in rooting hormone. These are placed in a propagation tray and keep moist. Rooting takes place in 4 weeks.
Division
Special features of Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Attracts useful insects
Insects such as butterflies and Carpenter bees visit the flowers.
Pot plant
Can be grown in window boxes or various containers given sufficient drainage holes.
Drought resistant
This water-wise plant is very drought tolerant once established.
Attractive flowers
The showy flowers has two rounded upper petals, three narrower lobes below.
Attractive leaves
This plant is characterized by its ivy-shaped leaves trailing through other trees and shrubs in its habitat.
Other uses of Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium
Used extensively in horticulture as hanging baskets and garden plants.
Medicinal
The plant's sour sap is used traditionally to treat sore throats. The leaves are thirst quenching and is used as an antiseptic for scratches, wounds, grazes and minor burns.
