How to Care for Ivy Geranium

The ivy geranium established itself in gardening circles long ago because of its ease of care and brilliant colors. The hearty nature of ivy geranium plants makes them easy to maintain with little care. They grow well as groundcover, in pots or in hanging baskets. Their year-round lush green appearance, accented by bright bold flower spikes in a variety of colors, makes them a favored choice for adding flair to a garden. Learn how to care for and grow ivy geranium plants that will flourish and bloom like living carpets of color.

Things You'll Need

• Potting soil
• Composted soil amendment
• Granulated fertilizer
• Water
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Plant ivy geranium plants in soil that contains a rich mix of composted organic matter to encourage and stimulate rapid prolific growth. Ivy geraniums need nutrient-rich soil. With the right soil, the plants will grow more lushly, the foliage will be a deeper green and the plant will produce more flowers. Use potting soil when planting ivy geraniums in containers, and add organic compost to the soil when planting in the ground.

2. Plant the ivy geraniums in a place in the garden that receives as much direct sun exposure as possible. Ivy geraniums will grow in a wide range of conditions, but the more sun they receive will encourage dense growth and profuse flower production. The more shade an ivy geranium receives, the fewer flowers it will produce and the more elongated the stems will be.

3. Water newly planted ivy geranium plants thoroughly when first planted and water weekly for the first month. After ivy geranium plants are established and have grown an extensive root system, they become more drought tolerant and require little water. However, these plants also do well with regular watering if the soil drains well. Watering deeply and infrequently is the best general course of action.

4. Prune ivy geranium plants as necessary to maintain a certain size or shape. Ivy geraniums can be pruned heavily and will grow back. The spent flower spikes do not have to be pruned as they fade, dry and eventually fall to the ground on their own.

5. Apply a granular fertilizer twice a year, according to the instructions on the container. Water it in well. Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous than nitrogen content to encourage and support greater flower production. Fertilizer with high nitrogen content will spur lush green vegetative growth but fewer flowers. High phosphorous fertilizer also supports strong root growth and is good to use in the initial planting.

Tips & Warnings

• Ivy geraniums can be readily propagated by taking cuttings. Cut the stems of the plant and remove the lower leaves, thus leaving a cutting of the plant that is about 4 to 5 inches long. Stick the cutting directly into the soil and water in. The plant cutting will root within several weeks and begin growing on its own.

• Don't over water. Decrease the amount of water if the ivy geranium begins to turn yellow.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish