Care of Ivy Geraniums

Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) is a colorful summer bloomer with ivy-like foliage and cascading blooms that make the plant perfectly suited for window boxes and hanging containers. Ivy geranium works well in mixed baskets with other colorful annuals. Ivy geranium includes at least 75 different types, including a range of flower and foliage colors and variegation and a variety of sizes. No matter what ivy geranium you choose, it's bound to have attractive foliage and eye-catching blooms.

Things You'll Need

• Hanging basket or window box with drainage hole
• All-purpose commercial potting soil
• Water-soluble fertilizer for blooming plants

Instructions

1. Plant your ivy geraniums in a hanging basket or window box filled with an all-purpose commercial potting mixture. Use a container with at least one drainage hole in the bottom, as ivy geraniums will rot without proper soil drainage. You also can plant ivy geranium as a ground cover in a protected, semi-shady spot in your garden.

2. Place your ivy geranium in full sunlight if you live in a climate where summers don't exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a climate with hot summers, place your ivy geranium where the plant will be sheltered during the afternoon.

3. Pinch the tips of your ivy geranium soon after planting. Pinching the tips of the plant will encourage the plant to grow full and bushy.

4. Water your geranium moderately, stopping when water begins to trickle from the drainage hole. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again, but never allow the soil to become bone dry. If your ivy geranium develops brown patches on the leaves, decrease the amount of water you give your plant.

5. Feed your ivy geranium every other week, using a water-soluble fertilizer for blooming plants. Read the fertilizer container for specific amounts and guidelines.

6. Pinch off wilted blooms regularly. Deadheading your ivy geranium will cause the plant to continue blooming as long as possible instead of going to seed.

References

• Iowa State University: Ivy Geraniums; Linda Naeve; 1996
• Michigan State University Extension: Pelargonium Peltatum - Ivy Geranium
• Learn2Grow; Ivy Geraniums: Container Champions; T. Lee Stephens